Barrett To Lead The Crusaders For The First Time

January 30, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

The Crusaders will begin their 25th Super Rugby season this Saturday, when they host the Waratahs in Nelson.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his team to face the Sydney-based side at Trafalgar Park, and it includes two Super Rugby debutants.

21-year old Tom Christie has been named to start at openside flanker in place of Billy Harmon, who injured his knee during the Crusaders first pre-season match in Ashburton. Meanwhile, Cullen Grace, the youngest player of any in the New Zealand Super Rugby squads at just 20 years old, has been named in the reserves.

Also check out Brian O'Driscoll's three players to watch in the Six Nations:

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Round one also sees the return of All Blacks Scott Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Goodhue, Codie Taylor and Sevu Reece to the Crusaders side, and Barrett will run out for the first time as Captain. Taylor and David Havili have been named Vice-Captains of the side for 2020.

The Crusaders announced today that there will be more than just first-round points on the line this weekend, with both sides also raising funds for Rural Aid. $1000 for every try scored in the match will go to Rural Aid in support of the relief effort from the Australian bushfires. Read more here.

Crusaders team to play the Waratahs:

1. George Bower

2. Andrew Makalio

3. Oliver Jager

4. Scott Barrett (C)

5. Mitchell Dunshea

6. Tom Sanders

7. Tom Christie*

8. Whetukamokamo Douglas

9. Mitchell Drummond

10. Richie Mo’unga

11. Leicester Faingaanuku