Crusaders Name Star-Studded Line-Up for Showdown with Chiefs
The Chiefs are heading to town for a top-of-the-table blockbuster, and the Crusaders have responded by naming a matchday 23 stacked with All Blacks talent.
Most of the Crusaders’ starting XV boasts international experience, equaling the Chiefs’ star power. However, the visitors have the edge in international caps coming off the bench.
The Crusaders will be without fly-half Taha Kemara, who sustained a season-ending knee injury against the Highlanders, and loose forward Ethan Blackadder, who is still sidelined with a hamstring issue. In Blackadder’s absence, Tom Christie retains the No. 7 jersey, while Rivez Reihana makes a timely return from injury to take over at fly-half.
“Rivez has been training hard within the non-playing group during his recovery and has shown great leadership,” said head coach Rob Penney. “His transition back into the squad has been seamless, and we were really impressed with how he slotted in.”
Penney also praised the efforts of the wider squad: “The non-playing group prepares us each week, and their contribution is vital to our performance.”
Braydon Ennor is back from injury and reclaims the No. 13 jersey, reuniting with skipper David Havili in the midfield.
With the Chiefs losing to the Hurricanes in Wellington and the Crusaders enjoying a bye in round 12, this clash could be decisive in determining the regular season frontrunner. Both sides currently sit on 37 competition points, although the Chiefs still have a bye to come.
“We control our own fate, which is a great position to be in,” added Penney. “But this weekend will be fierce. We’ve got a real opportunity to take back the top spot, and we’re going to give it everything.”
Crusaders Line-Up to Face the Chiefs
Starting XV:
- Tamaiti Williams
- (VC) Codie Taylor
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Rivez Reihana
- Sevu Reece
- (C) David Havili
- Braydon Ennor
- Chay Fihaki
- (VC) Will Jordan
Reserves:
16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower
18. Seb Calder
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston
22. James O’Connor
23. Dallas McLeod
