Five changes to Crusaders side to face the Highlanders

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Head Coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side and one positional change, with Will Jordan moving to the right wing this week to make way for Vice-Captain, David Havili, to slot in at fullback.

The tight five remains unchanged for this game, while there are two changes in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace underwent surgery on Tuesday for a fracture at the base of his right thumb, which sees Ethan Blackadder start in his place. 22 -year-old Tom Christie also earns a start this week, for Billy Harmon at openside flanker. 

In the backs, Bryn Hall and George Bridge will be rested, meaning Mitch Drummond starts at halfback and Leicester Faingaanuku on the left wing.

Exciting Tasman back, Fetuli Paea, is set to become Crusader #245 on Saturday night, having been named on the bench for what will be his first Investec Super Rugby appearance. Also included in the reserves is Oli Jager, who was a late withdrawal from the side last week with a back complaint and is now fully fit to return to the 23. 

Following their successful return from injury to play club rugby last week, Andrew Makalio and Quinten Strange have both been named in the reserves for the first time in Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa, and make a welcome return to face the Highlanders.

The Crusaders travel to Dunedin tomorrow, ahead of their round four match against the Highlanders on Saturday night. 

Head Coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side and one positional change, with Will Jordan moving to the right wing this week to make way for Vice-Captain, David Havili, to slot in at fullback.

The tight five remains unchanged for this game, while there are two changes in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace underwent surgery on Tuesday for a fracture at the base of his right thumb, which sees Ethan Blackadder start in his place. 22 -year-old Tom Christie also earns a start this week, for Billy Harmon at openside flanker. 

In the backs, Bryn Hall and George Bridge will be rested, meaning Mitch Drummond starts at halfback and Leicester Faingaanuku on the left wing.

Exciting Tasman back, Fetuli Paea, is set to become Crusader #245 on Saturday night, having been named on the bench for what will be his first Investec Super Rugby appearance. Also included in the reserves is Oli Jager, who was a late withdrawal from the side last week with a back complaint and is now fully fit to return to the 23. 

Following their successful return from injury to play club rugby last week, Andrew Makalio and Quinten Strange have both been named in the reserves for the first time in Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa, and make a welcome return to face the Highlanders.

Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Highlanders is 7:05pm, Saturday 4 July at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. 
 

 
Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:

1.   Joe Moody

2.   Codie Taylor (C)

3.   Michael Alaalatoa

4.   Samuel Whitelock

5.   Mitchell Dunshea

6.   Ethan Blackadder

7.   Tom Christie

8.   Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)

9.   Mitchell Drummond

10. Richie Mo'unga

11. Leicester Faingaanuku

12. Jack Goodhue

13. Braydon Ennor

14. Will Jordan

15. David Havili (VC)

RESERVES:

16. Andrew Makalio

17. George Bower

18. Oliver Jager

19. Quinten Strange

20. Sione Havili

21. Ereatara Enari

22. Fetuli Paea*

23. Sevu Reece

 *denotes Investec Super Rugby debut