SUPER RUGBY – WEEK 16: CRUSADERS V WESTERN FORCE
The Western Force will tackle the Crusaders in Christchurch this today (30 May) in their final match before the June Test window.
The Force currently sits fourth on the Asteron Life Super Rugby ladder, and will front the third-placed Crusaders, who have won six of their past seven matches. The Force has won eight of their past 10 matches.
Brynard Stander will earn his first Asteron Life Super Rugby start at blindside flanker for the Force with Angus Cottrell moving to No. 8 in place of the injured Ben McCalman (groin). Patrick Dellit has also come into the side in place of Luke Burton, who has joined his Australian Under 20 teammates ahead of the IRB Junior World Championships in June.
Dillyn Leyds is in line to make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut for the Western Force after being named on the bench while local Perth product, Ryan Hodson, has also been called into the side.
The Crusaders have made just the one change to their side with the return of captain Kieran Read, who has spent six weeks on the sideline with a concussion, which sees Luke Whitelock move to the bench.
Routine try-scorer Nemani Nadolo will start on the left wing after crossing for seven tries so far this season – one ahead of the Western Force pairing of Nick Cummins and Matt Hodgson (both six tries).
Despite their 16-14 win over the Crusaders last season, the Force will be chasing the club’s first win in Christchurch – with the closest being a 23-all draw in 2009..
Crusaders v Western Force
AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Friday, 30 May, 2014
Time: 3.35pm (AWST) / 7.35pm Local
Coverage: Live on Fox Sports 2 and 2HD from 3.30pm.
Weather Forecast: Min: 0C Max: 9C. Fine with light winds
Official Twitter hashtag: #CRUvFOR
Live match updates available on Twitter (@westernforce) with half-time/full-time scores available on Facebook (facebook.com/westernforce)
Last Meeting: Western Force 16 def Crusaders 14 in Perth (2013)
Head to head: Played 8 – Western Force 2; Crusaders 4; Drawn 2
In Christchurch: Played 3 – Western Force 0; Crusaders 2; Drawn 1
Biggest win: Western Force 24 def Crusaders 16 in Perth (2010)
Biggest loss: Crusaders 53 def Western Force 0 in Christchurch (2007)
2014 record:
Western Force: Played 12; Won 8, Lost 4; 36pts (4th)
Crusaders: Played 12; Won 8, Lost: 4; 37pts (3rd)
Western Force: 1. Pek Cowan, 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Sam Wykes, 5. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 6. Brynard Stander, 7. Matt Hodgson (c), 8. Angus Cottrell, 9. Ian Prior, 10. Sias Ebersohn, 11. Nick Cummins, 12. Chris Tuatara-Morrison, 13. Patrick Dellit, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Jayden Hayward. Res: 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Oliver Hoskins, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Ryan Hodson, 21. Justin Turner, 22. Zack Holmes, 23 Dillyn Leyds.
Crusaders: 1. Tim Perry, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Dominic Bird, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Jordan Taufua, 7. Richie McCaw, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Colin Slade, 11. Nemani Nadolo, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Tom Taylor, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 15. Israel Dagg. Res: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Owen Franks, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Luke Whitelock, 21. Willi Heinz, 22. Adam Whitelock, 23. Nafi Tuitavake.
Referee: Mike Fraser
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