BNZ Crusaders team to play the Kings
The BNZ Crusaders will host the Kings at AMI Stadium this Saturday night in the first of three South African challenges. Following the Kings, the squad will head to South Africa to play the Sharks in Durban and then the Lions in Johannesburg.
Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made a number of changes to the 23-man squad that beat the Blues two weeks ago. Prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Ben Funnell will start at number 1 and 2 for the first time this season, having come off the bench in the previous two games.
Playing their first game of the season will be lock Luke Romano, loose forward Matt Todd, halfback Mitchell Drummond and fullback Marty McKenzie.
David Havili steps into second five this week instead of fullback, while Kieron Fonotia shifts out to centre. Johnny McNicholl and Nemani Nadolo start on the wings.
Hooker Ged Robinson may earn his first BNZ Crusaders cap if he comes off the bench on Saturday night, and Ryan Crotty is also looking for his first run of 2016 after recovering from his thumb injury to take a spot in the reserves.
Some prime seating has been reserved for families this Saturday in the City Care Stand between the 22m and 10m line (use the promo code: Family Pass when you buy your tickets online). Kids will receive an Enable goody bag and are also encouraged to bring a ball to the game as they will be allowed onto the field after the game to have a kick around and rub shoulders with the team.
Kick off is 7:35pm this Saturday night and tickets are available through www.ticketdirect.co.nz, ph. 0800 224 224 or visit participating branches of The Warehouse. Ticket purchasers are encouraged to also fill up at Mobil this week so that they can enter the Mobil Golden Boots halftime competition and kick their way to $250k – more information is available at www.goldenboots.co.nz
BNZ Crusaders team to play the Kings:
| 1. Wyatt Crockett | RESERVES |
| 2. Ben Funnell | |
| 3. Owen Franks | 16. Ged Robinson |
| 4. Luke Romano | 17. Alex Hodgman |
| 5. Samuel Whitelock (C) | 18. Mike Alaalatoa |
| 6. Jordan Taufua | 19. Tim Boys |
| 7. Matt Todd | 20. Pete Samu |
| 8. Jimmy Tupou | 21. Leon Fukofuka |
| 9. Mitchell Drummond | 22. Ryan Crotty |
| 10. Richie Mo’unga | 23. Jone Macilai |
| 11. Nemani Nadolo | |
| 12. David Havili | |
| 13. Kieron Fonotia | |
| 14. Johnny McNicholl | |
| 15. Marty McKenzie |
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