Share

Big names return for Crusaders

Cape Town - Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong starting line-up for Saturday's highly anticipated clash with the Hurricanes in Christchurch.

Robertson has made just four changes to the 23-man matchday squad that beat the Bulls last weekend.

Joe Moody has rotated into the number one jersey this week, with Wyatt Crockett taking a spot on the bench.

Also in the pack, hooker Ben Funnell returns to the 23 via the bench to provide cover for Codie Taylor.

In the backs, Ryan Crotty will start at inside centre this week, while Manasa Mataele comes into the reserves as backs cover.

Matt Todd will captain the side again, and will also have his 100th Super Rugby game (achieved against the Cheetahs in South Africa) recognised in front of the home crowd, with a post-match presentation.  

New Zealand Rugby will present Todd with a greenstone mere to mark his milestone.

Saturday night's game promises to be a thrilling encounter with the Crusaders aiming to maintain their unbeaten record with their eleventh straight win, while the Hurricanes have lost just one game this season to the Chiefs.  

Teams:

Crusaders

15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Pete Samu, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Brad Shields, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Vaea Fifita, 4 Mark Abbott, 3 Jeffery To'omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Chris Eves

Substitutes: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ben May, 18 Loni Uhila, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Toa Halafihi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Otere Black, 23 Wes Goosen

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE