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Crotty leads Crusaders in Chiefs derby

Christchurch - Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named his team to face the Chiefs at home on Saturday, including a number of changes and two Super Rugby debutants.

Up front, Owen Franks and Matt Todd will be rested this week, and Michael Alaalatoa and Billy Harmon will start. George Bower could earn his first Super Rugby cap if called on to replace Alaalatoa at tighthead prop.

In the second row, Mitch Dunshea has earned his first start of the season and will partner Scott Barrett at lock. The final change in the loose forwards will see Jordan Taufua start on the blindside.

In the backline, Ereatara Enari has earned his first Super Rugby start at halfback. Braydon Ennor moves to the left wing and Sevu Reece will also make his debut on the right wing.

Ryan Crotty returns this week to start at second five-eighth and will also captain the side in the absence of Matt Todd. Whetukamokamo Douglas and the returning Codie Taylor have been named as vice-captains.  

On the bench, Ethan Blackadder will provide loose forward cover and Brett Cameron joins the side this week, replacing Mitch Hunt who was concussed in last week's match against the Reds.

Saturday’s clash in Christchurch is scheduled for 06:15 (SA time).

Teams:

Crusaders

15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 Braydon Ennor, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Ere Enari, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Harry Allan, 18 George Bower, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 David Havili

Chiefs

15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick (captain), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross

Substitutes: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Alex Nankivell

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