Team Naming: Crusaders v Bristol

The Crusaders have named their squad to take on the Bristol Bears this weekend in their last game of the Northern Tour.

Willi Heinz will lead the team out at Ashton Gate Stadium where more than 20,000 spectators wait for the spectacle. Kick off is 7.30pm on Friday 9 February in Bristol, 8.30am on Saturday morning NZ time.

Rob Penney and his coaching group are taking the usual opportunities of a pre-season and making 10 changes to the starting XV.

Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Seb Calder join George Bell in the front row with Quinten Strange (vice captain), Jamie Hannah, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow and Christian Lio-Willie rounding out the forward pack.

Willi Heinz starts at halfback with Rivez Reihana donning the 10 jersey. Macca Springer takes the left wing and Manasa Mataele takes the right. Ryan Crotty and Jone Rova occupy the centre mixing fresh talent with a seasoned pro. Chay Fihaki provides structure at fullback.

A further 10 players are set to make an impact off the bench, including the likes of Ioane Moananu and George Bower, Noah Hotham and Taka Kemara. No shortage of depth.

And so, we once again step into the shoes of the adversary, the foreigner, the one to be knocked over. It’s game time in Bristol. Are you ready?