Crusaders to unleash highly rated loosehead on the Blues

April 23, 2021
2316
Ultimate Rugby

The Crusaders are preparing to play their last regular-season home game in front of full stands at Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his side to face the Blues and it includes an unchanged backline, as well as the return of Codie Taylor, Sam Whitelock, Sione Havili Talitui and Cullen Grace to the starting line-up.

In the reserves, highly rated 21-year-old Tamaiti Williams could make his Crusaders debut off the bench this week, making him Crusader #249. He has been named as prop cover alongside Oli Jager, while the only change in the run-on front row is Taylor's inclusion at hooker.

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Mitch Dunshea and Tom Sanders both move to the reserves this week, making way for Sam Whitelock and Sione Havili Talitui, and there is a reshuffle in the loose forward trio with Barrett moving back to lock, Ethan Blackadder slotting in on the blindside and Grace returning at number eight.

Crusaders team to play the Blues:

1. George Bower

2. Codie Taylor (VC)

3. Michael Alaalatoa

4. Scott Barrett (C)

5. Samuel Whitelock

6. Ethan Blackadder

7. Sione Havili Talitui

8. Cullen Grace

9. Mitchell Drummond

10. Richie Mo'unga

11. George Bridge