Crusaders Team Naming: Aumua, Reihana Set to Debut in First Round v Chiefs

The Crusaders have named their squad to take on the Chiefs on Friday 23 February in Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific 2024. Kick off 7.05pm at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato.

It’s the season opener and a huge contest pitting the defending champions against arguably their most formidable opponents. It’s game time, bring it on.

We’re guaranteed two new Crusaders on Friday night.

Rivez Reihana starts at 10, up against his old teammates. No doubt the cowbells will sound different for the debutant.

Levi Aumua starts at 13, ready to make a huge impact through the centre on his first foray for the Crusaders. There were cheers and pats on the back for both these boys when the team was announced this week – a huge moment.

Equally significant is the return of some big players for the club. George Bower returns after a considerable time on the sideline in 2023. He’ll square up alongside George Bell and Tamaiti Williams in the front row.

Sevu Reece is back in red and black after a similar stint on the sideline last season. Fans and players alike are stoked to see the try-scorer back in action on the right wing, joined by Macca Springer on the left.

Scott Barrett once again captains the team, alongside Quinten Strange who captained the pre-season Northern Tour. Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace round out the forward pack.

The news of Will Jordan’s absence was alleviated in the knowledge Chay Fihaki will be a recurring pick for fullback, with the experience of Taha Kemara and Ryan Crotty ready to make an impact off the bench.

Quentin MacDonald, Joe Moody and Owen Franks sit in the wings ready to take up front row duties. New recruit Jamie Hannah and now-blond Christian Lio-Willie will be eager to take the field, as will halfback Noah Hotham.

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said he was “very excited” about heading to Hamilton for the encounter.

“The Chiefs are touting it as a bit of a grudge match, a rematch of the final – we’re not going there with that mentality,” Penney said.

“This is a new season, a new group, and it’s an opportunity for this team to test themselves and see where they’re at, and there’s no better way to do that than Hamilton on a Friday night Round 1.”

So here it is. Round 1 of the season. Chiefs v Crusaders.

New faces. New team. Same mentality. We go again.