Highly touted powerhouse wing set for Crusaders' Super Rugby debut

The Crusaders are set to play their first home game in three rounds of Super Rugby, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his side for Saturday evening's match against the Brumbies. 

Robertson has handed a Super Rugby debut to former New Zealand Schools and current u20 powerhouse winger Leicester Faingaanuku who is set to make his debut from the bench.

The 100kg+ winger made his provincial debut for Tasman last year and is another youngster to come from Nelson College. 

Centre Tim Bateman has been brought into the starting line up for All Black centre Jack Goodhue with Bateman set to make his 50th appearance for the franchise. 

All Blacks Joe Moody and Owen Franks both return from injury to bolster the front row, meaning Harry Allan and Michael Alaalatoa move to the reserves for this game.

At lock, Quinten Strange and Sam Whitelock will swap this week, so that Strange takes the starting spot and Whitelock is on the bench. Matt Todd will Captain the side in the No. 7 jersey. 

The only other change in the forwards sees Ethan Blackadder earn his first Super Rugby start for 2019, at six. 

Elsewhere in the backs, Mitchell Drummond is the starting halfback this week and Bryn Hall provides cover on the bench, while Sevu Reece has earned promotion from the bench to start on the left wing against the Brumbies. 

Owen Franks will play his 150th Crusaders game this week (149th Investec Super Rugby game).

This Saturday’s match will be the Crusaders' first opportunity to unite the Christchurch community following the events of 15 March. There will be a moment’s silence before the teams run to field. 

Crusaders team to play the Brumbies: