News

BNZ Crusaders team named to play the Hurricanes in top-of-the-table clash

Details Published: 23 May 2018

The BNZ Crusaders will host the Hurricanes this Friday night in a top-of-the-table blockbuster at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has made just three changes from the side that defeated the Blues at Eden Park last weekend, including two changes in the forwards and one in the backs.

In the front row, Tim Perry has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain suffered at the All Blacks camp on Tuesday and Wyatt Crockett will start at loosehead prop. On the opposite side of the scrum, Michael Alaalatoa steps in to the starting team at tighthead prop, in place of Owen Franks.

The only change in the backline sees experienced midfielder Tim Bateman line up at second five-eighth in place of Ryan Crotty, who is unavailable this week due to concussion. Bateman will also be Vice-Captain of the side on Friday night, alongside hooker Codie Taylor. Matt Todd has again been named Captain this week, with Sam Whitelock also unavailable due to concussion symptoms.



There is good news in the reserves, with Luke Romano returning from injury to provide cover at lock. Chris King and Donald Brighouse come in to the match day side as prop cover, and Braydon Ennor will wear the No. 23 jersey in place of the injured Manasa Mataele.

Robertson said there was plenty of energy among the group in the lead up to Friday night's clash: "We coach and play for these big games and it doesn't get much bigger than hosting the Hurricanes at home for a spot at the top of the New Zealand conference.

"The boys have worked through their individual preparation well this week and our All Blacks joined us again this morning and brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm, so there is no shortage of motivation for this match and it's going to be a great spectacle for fans on Friday night," Robertson said.



Kick off is 7:35pm, Friday 25 May, at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.



BNZ Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:





1. Wyatt Crockett RESERVES 2. Codie Taylor (VC) 16. Andrew Makalio 3. Michael Alaalatoa 17. Chris King 4. Scott Barrett 18. Donald Brighouse 5. Quinten Strange 19. Luke Romano 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 20. Pete Samu 7. Matt Todd (C) 21. Mitchell Drummond 8. Jordan Taufua 22. Mitchell Hunt 9. Bryn Hall 23. Braydon Ennor 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. George Bridge 12. Tim Bateman (VC) 13. Jack Goodhue 14. Seta Tamanivalu 15. David Havili



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.