Crusaders team to play the Reds
The Crusaders will play their last guaranteed home game in Christchurch for this season on Friday night when they take on the Reds. Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the starting line-up and a new face enters the reserves.
Nepo Laulala will pack down in the front row with Codie Taylor and Wyatt Crockett this week. Alex Hodgman and Joe Moody will provide prop cover from the reserves.
Dominic Bird pairs up with Sam Whitelock at lock, and Nafi Tuitavake will play on the right wing.
In the reserves, Richie McCaw returns from a head knock received in the Blues game and outside back Jone Macilai will play his first Super Rugby game since breaking his arm in the pre-season.
Christchurch fans will be asked to stick around after the match to pay tribute to five special Crusaders and to thank them for their contribution to the team. Tom Taylor, Colin Slade, Dan Carter and Willi Heinz have all announced that they will be heading offshore after this season, and Richie McCaw has also indicated that it could be his final season, which means it could be the last chance for Christchurch fans to see them in action for the Crusaders. A video tribute to these Crusaders will play on the big screen and this week’s match programme will be a special souvenir edition.
Kick off at AMI Stadium is at 7:35pm and tickets are available through Ticket Direct –ticketdirect.co.nz or phone 0800 224 224 – or at one of the ticketing outlets at Eastgate, The Palms, Champions of the World South City, or The Warehouse (Barrington, Hornby, Northwood, Riccarton, South City, Timaru, Rangiora and Greymouth branches only).
Crusaders team to play the Reds:
| 1 | Wyatt Crockett |
RESERVES |
|
| 2 | Codie Taylor | 16 | Ben Funnell |
| 3 | Nepo Laulala | 17 | Alex Hodgman |
| 4 | Dominic Bird | 18 | Joe Moody |
| 5 | Sam Whitelock | 19 | Jimmy Tupou |
| 6 | Jordan Taufua | 20 | Richie McCaw |
| 7 | Matt Todd | 21 | Mitchell Drummond |
| 8 | Kieran Read (c) | 22 | Kieron Fonotia |
| 9 | Andy Ellis | 23 | Jone Macilai |
| 10 | Colin Slade | ||
| 11 | Nemani Nadolo | ||
| 12 | Dan Carter | ||
| 13 | Ryan Crotty | ||
| 14 | Nafi Tuitavake | ||
| 15 | Tom Taylor |
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