Crusaders team to face Hurricanes on Friday. David Havili will run out for his 150th appearance.
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There are moments in a season that deserve to be paused and properly acknowledged – and this weekend is one of them.
Captain David Havili will run out for his 150th Crusaders appearance in Round 12, becoming just the 10th player in club history to reach the milestone as the Crusaders take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
“It’s everything to me. This is the club I grew up watching, the club I wanted to play for. When you get to this stage, you’re either getting old or you’re experienced, so I’ll stick with the experience tag,” Havili says.
Head Coach Rob Penney says Havili’s milestone reflects exactly what the Crusaders value most.
“He exemplifies everything you want in a Crusader,” Penney says.
“His work ethic, the way he cares for his teammates and the brand, and how selfless he is in putting himself in positions where others can thrive. His leadership is without question.”
After reaching 100 games a few seasons ago, Havili admits the next milestone became a strong motivator.
“When you see the guys on the wall and what they’ve done for this club, it really motivates you to stay here and keep pushing. Getting to 150 was something I really wanted to achieve.”
The Crusaders make just two changes to the starting line‑up this week, both in the forward pack, while the backline remains unchanged.
George Bower moves into the starting loosehead role after Finlay Brewis was ruled out with a calf injury, with Kershawl Sykes‑Martin added to the bench to provide front‑row cover.
There’s also a welcome boost with Ethan Blackadder returning from injury to start at blindside flanker.
Dom Gardiner shifts to the bench as the Crusaders opt for a 6–2 split among the reserves.
Penney says Blackadder’s return has been a lift for the group.
“The way Ethan throws himself around the park is what everyone loves about him. His commitment to the cause and his presence around the group is massive, and it’s wonderful to have him back.”
Leicester Fainga’anuku will again start at openside flanker after impressing in the role last week.
“We picked Leicester there for a reason and he did everything we asked and more,” Penney says.
“He gives us a nice balance physically and allows us to put a bit more emphasis on our pack. He’s earned another opportunity.”
After a special moment last weekend opening the new stadium, Havili says the group is feeling confident but realistic heading into another New Zealand derby.
“The energy was massive. To get a result like that gives us confidence, but we know the Hurricanes are firmly in front of us and we’ll need to step up again.”
Penney agrees, highlighting the challenge the Hurricanes will present in Wellington.
“They look really free and unburdened. They’ve had a group together for a few years now and it’s all starting to come together. It’s a really good challenge for us.”
Crusaders team to face the Hurricanes:
- George Bower
- Codie Taylor (VC)
- Fletcher Newell
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Tahlor Cahill
- Ethan Blackadder
- Leicester Fainga’anuku
- Christian Lio‑Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Taha Kemara
- Macca Springer
- David Havili (C)
- Braydon Ennor
- Dallas McLeod
- Johnny McNicholl
Reserves: 16. George Bell 17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin 18. Seb Calder 19. Jamie Hannah 20. Dom Gardiner 21. Kyle Preston 22. Johnny Lee 23. Rivez Reihana
Players unavailable for selection due to injury:
Finly BREWIS: Calf, 2-4 weeks
Will JORDAN: Calf, 2-4 weeks
Cullen GRACE: Knee, 2-4 weeks
Chay FIHAKI, Hamstring, 3-5 weeks
Will TUCKER: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS, Discitis, out for the season
