News

BNZ Crusaders team named to play the Western Force

Details Published: 20 June 2018

The BNZ Crusaders have arrived in Perth, where they are preparing for their match against the Western Force on Friday night.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his match day team for the clash at NIB Stadium, which includes two players who could be set to make their BNZ Crusaders debut, and a number of returning Crusaders squad members.

Wyatt Crockett will start at loosehead prop, and Donald Brighouse moves to the bench. Mitchell Dunshea shifts from loose forward to lock for this game, and Hamish Dalzell, having made his BNZ Crusaders debut last week, takes a spot in the reserves. Further changes in the loose forwards will see Whetu Douglas start at No. 8, with Ethan Blackadder moving to the blindside, and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis will wear the No. 7 jersey in place of the injured Billy Harmon.

Fresh from his 22-point haul against the French Barbarians last week, Mitchell Hunt moves from fullback to first five-eighth for this game, while George Bridge, Seta Tamanivalu and Manasa Mataele all return to the starting side this week, on the left wing, at centre and right wing respectively. Israel Dagg will play at fullback this week, shifting from the right wing.

Mitchell Drummond will once again lead the team on Friday night alongside vice-captains Michael Alaalatoa and Israel Dagg. Hooker Brodie McAlister and loose forward Hugh Renton have both been named in the reserves, and will represent the Crusaders for the first time if called upon on Friday night.



Kick off is 6:30pm AWST (10:30pm in NZ), Friday 22 June, at NIB Stadium in Perth. The match will be televised on Sky Sport 1.



BNZ Crusaders team to play the Western Force:





1. Wyatt Crockett RESERVES 2. Andrew Makalio 16. Brodie McAlister* 3. Michael Alaalatoa (VC) 17. Donald Brighouse 4. Quinten Strange 18. Chris King 5. Mitchell Dunshea 19. Hamish Dalzell 6. Ethan Blackadder 20. Hugh Renton* 7. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 21. Bryn Hall 8. Whetu Douglas 22. Mike Delany 9. Mitchell Drummond (C) 23. Sam Beard 10. Mitchell Hunt 24. Tima Faingaanuku 11. George Bridge 25. Caleb Makene 12. Rameka Poihipi 13. Seta Tamanivalu 14. Manasa Mataele 15. Israel Dagg (VC)



* denotes BNZ Crusaders debut



The BNZ Crusaders have a bye next week, and will resume their Investec Super Rugby campaign against the Highlanders on Friday 6 July. To purchase tickets, click here.



Tickets for all of the BNZ Crusaders 2018 Investec Super Rugby games are available via www.ticketdirect.co.nz, or at one of Ticket Direct's official outlets. Please avoid purchasing tickets through resale sites such as Viagogo, as these tickets won't be accepted at AMI Stadium.