Crusaders shake up team for trip to Brisbane

Christchurch - Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named his team for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Reds in Brisbane (kick-off 10:45 SA time).

Robertson has made five changes to the starting side that defeated the Hurricanes 38-22 in Christchurch last weekend.

The tight five remains the same, but in the loose forwards Tom Sanders earns his first start of the 2019 season in the No 6 jersey, with Jordan Taufua moving to the bench. 

In the backline, Mitch Drummond and Bryn Hall swap this week, so that Drummond starts at scrumhalf. Tim Bateman also steps in at inside centre in the absence of vice-captain Ryan Crotty, who is on an All Blacks rest week and won't travel to Brisbane. 

Braydon Ennor will return to the starting team in Brisbane, replacing the injured Manasa Mataele on the right wing.

The final change sees Will Jordan, who turned 21 on Sunday, earn his first Super Rugby start at fullback, with David Havili providing cover on the bench.

Teams:

Reds

15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Moses Sorovi, 8 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Feao Fotuaika

Substitutes: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Caleb Timu, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Isaac Lucas

Crusaders

15 Will Jordan, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 David Havili