BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders

Mar 2 • General News, International • 1646 Views • Comments Off on BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders

The BNZ Crusaders will travel south to play the Highlanders in Dunedin this weekend, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has made eight changes to the squad of 23 that beat the Brumbies in last weekend’s opening round of Super Rugby.

There are two changes in the forwards – the first is at hooker, with Codie Taylor and Ben Funnell rotating so that Taylor takes the starting spot this Saturday night. The other change is in the loose forwards, with Matt Todd returning to wear the seven jerseys and Jed Brown on the bench.

In the backs, Seta Tamanivalu shifts to the left wing, allowing Israel Dagg to move from fullback to the right wing. David Havili steps in at fullback, and Mitchell Hunt will start at first five following Richie Mo’unga’s hand injury.

Marty McKenzie takes a spot in the reserves as backs cover, and halfback Mitchell Drummond returns from his broken leg to take a seat on the bench.

The BNZ Crusaders will travel to Dunedin tomorrow and kick off is at 7:35 pm on Saturday night at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Whetu Douglas
9. Bryn Hall
10. Mitchell Hunt
11. Seta Tamanivalu
12. Ryan Crotty (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Israel Dagg
15. David Havili

RESERVES
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Jed Brown
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Marty McKenzie
23. George Bridge