Crusaders team to play the Brumbies
The Crusaders will play their first home game in over a month when they face the Brumbies this Saturday afternoon. Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named a team with five changes to the starting fifteen that beat the Chiefs two weeks ago.
Richie McCaw has recovered from his broken thumb to return to the starting line-up and will play at number 6. Matt Todd retains the number 7 jersey and Luke Whitelock comes in at number 8 with Kieran ruled out due to the concussion suffered against the Chiefs.
Also returning from injury are Kieron Fonotia and Luke Romano. Fonotia will play at centre, seeing Tom Taylor take a place in the reserves, and Romano will provide lock cover off the bench.
The hookers and halfbacks rotate again this week, so Ben Funnell will be the starting hooker and Andy Ellis the starting halfback. Corey Flynn and Willi Heinz will be ready to provide impact off the bench.
Second five Ryan Crotty will captain the side in Read’s absence and McCaw will take up the vice captaincy reins.
Fans are encouraged to get to the ground early for the only afternoon game of the 2014 season at AMI Stadium. There will be plenty of entertainment in the lead up to the main event, including Christchurch band and X Factor stars ‘Moorhouse’ playing at 3:45pm. Saturday is also the 2014 ‘Daiken Customwood Day of the Sword’, meaning 3000 foam swords will be handed out to fans on entry. Kick-off for the Crusaders vs Brumbies is 4:35pm.
Crusaders team to play the Brumbies:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ben Funnell
3. Owen Franks
4. Dominic Bird
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Richie McCaw (VC)
7. Matt Todd
8. Luke Whitelock
9. Andy Ellis
10.Colin Slade
11.Nemani Nadolo
12.Ryan Crotty (C)
13.Kieron Fonotia
14.Johnny McNicholl
15.Israel Dagg
RESERVES:
16. Corey Flynn
17. Tim Perry
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Luke Romano
20. Jordan Taufua
21. Willi Heinz
22. Tom Taylor
23. Nafi Tuitavake
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