BNZ Crusaders team to play the Lions

Jul 21 • General News, International, Super Rugby • 1886 Views • Comments Off on BNZ Crusaders team to play the Lions

BNZ Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his side to take on the Lions in the sudden-death quarter final round this weekend. It includes five changes to the 23 that played the Hurricanes last weekend.

Halfback Andy Ellis and lock Sam Whitelock were late withdrawals from the team last week, but both have been declared fit to play against the Lions (Ellis recovering from a calf strain and Whitelock from a virus).

Whitelock will partner Luke Romano at lock, and Scott Barrett will provide cover from the bench.

Jordan Taufua comes back into the starting line-up at 6, and Jimmy Tupou shifts to the bench.

The only changes to the backs are Jone Macilai taking the wing in the place of the injured Nemani Nadolo, and Ben Volavola taking a spot in the reserves in place of Mitchell Hunt.

Kick off at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park is at 4:30pm Saturday local time / 2:30am Sunday NZ time.

BNZ Crusaders team to play the Lions:

1. Wyatt Crockett	RESERVES:
2. Codie Taylor	16. Ben Funnell
3. Owen Franks	17. Alex Hodgman
4. Luke Romano	18. Mike Alaalatoa
5. Sam Whitelock	19. Scott Barrett
6. Jordan Taufua	20. Jimmy Tupou
7. Matt Todd	21. Mitchell Drummond
8. Kieran Read (C)	22. Ben Volavola
9. Andy Ellis	23. Kieron Fonotia
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Jone Macilai
12. David Havili
13. Ryan Crotty
14. Johnny McNicholl
15. Israel Dagg