BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders in pre-season

Feb 9 • General News, Super Rugby • 1440 Views • Comments Off on BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders in pre-season

The BNZ Crusaders will play their second pre-season game this Thursday night against the Highlanders. The game wlll be played at Fred Booth Park in Waimumu as a feature of the Southern Field Days.

After a pleasing 31 – 3 win against the Queensland Reds at the weekend, the BNZ Crusaders will be looking to continue improving on that performance and to further fine-tune their game. Head Coach Todd Blackadder said the pre-season is also about giving all players a chance to show what they’ve got and try out combinations with each other.

“We were really pleased with some of what we saw on Saturday night in Brisbane, especially considering it was only game one for so many players. It was really pleasing to see some of the new, young players really step up and also to see some of our more experienced players showing leadership and making an impact in their own areas.

“I’m looking forward to having another look at some of those players and combinations this week, and also to trying out some new combinations,” Blackadder said.

Wyatt Crockett and Andy Ellis are the two new faces in this week’s team and Sam Whitelock will captain the side.

BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:

1. Joe Moody	RESERVES
2. Codie Taylor
3. Mike Alaalatoa	Ged Robinson
4. Scott Barrett	Wyatt Crockett
5. Samuel Whitelock (C)	Oliver Jager
6. Jimmy Tupou	Luke Romano
7. Tim Boys	Mitchell Dunshea
8. Jordan Taufua	Reed Prinsep
9. Andy Ellis	Leon Fukofuka
10. Richie Mo’unga	Ben Volavola
11. Sione Fifita	Marty McKenzie
12. Kieron Fonotia	Jone Macilai
13. Sean Wainui	Mitchell Hunt
14. George Bridge	Nemani Nadolo
15. David Havili