All Blacks and Crusaders winger Sevu Reece will make his Super Rugby debut in the midfield when the Crusaders take on the Fijian Drua in Fiji.
In a surprise tactical switch, Reece will partner Dallas McLeod in the centres, while Macca Springer and Chay Fihaki take their places on the wings. Young halves Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara will be responsible for distributing the ball to their dynamic backline.
Reece, who previously played in the midfield before transitioning to the wing with the Crusaders, is eager for the challenge. “I’m so excited. Before I moved down to the Crusaders, I was playing centre, and since then, I’ve been on the wing,” he said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to test myself at centre at this level, and to get that opportunity in front of my family in Fiji—it’s incredible. I can’t even put it into words.”
The Crusaders have opted for an experienced finishing squad but have made notable changes to their forward pack. Tahlor Cahill and Antonio Shalfoon will start in the second row, with Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, and Christian Lio-Willie forming the loose forward trio. Up front, Codie Taylor returns to the starting lineup alongside George Bower and young tighthead Seb Calder.
After last week’s disappointing loss to Moana Pasifika, the Crusaders are determined to bounce back. However, the Drua boast a strong home record, making the challenge even tougher.
“It was a tough one last week, but we’ve addressed it. The coaches and leaders have done a great job setting the tone for the week,” a team representative said. “The boys will have to dig deep and do what needs to be done for their teammates this weekend.”
Crusaders team to face Fijian Drua
Starting XV:
1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor (c)
3. Seb Calder
4. Tahlor Cahill
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. Corey Kellow
7. Tom Christie
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Macca Springer
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Sevu Reece
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan (vc)
Reserves:
16. Ioane Moananu
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Quinten Strange
20. Ethan Blackadder
21. Mitch Drummond
22. James O’Connor
23. Levi Aumua
