Robertson brings back Havili, Jordan for Canes clash

Christchurch: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made changes to his line-up for today’s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against Hurricanes at the Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. Robertson has brought back vicecaptain, David Havili, and outside back Will Jordan. Both players have recovered from their injuries. Havili is to start at fullback while Jordan is on the bench. The only other change to the side sees is a switch at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond named to start in his 95th appearance for the club, and Bryn Hall moving to the reserves for his 98th Super Rugby cap. Young backs, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod have retained their spots in the starting team, and Robertson told media in Christchurch yesterday that both players are deserving of another opportunity this weekend.

“Leicester, every time he’s had an op- portunity for us he’s been exceptional. He’s a genuine power wing, he’s someone that always will break the first tackle or bring three, four defenders in,” Robertson said.

“(Dallas) took his opportunity, now he gets another one, gets a bit of continuity. He’s been patient, it’s a hard team to crack, so when you get your opportunity you want to take it.” Today’s match gets underway at 3.35pm and shown live on Sky Pacific

Line-up

Crusaders: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor (VC), 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Scott Barrett (C), 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Cullen Grace, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. David Havili (VC)

Reserves: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Fergus Burke, 23. Will Jordan.

Hurricanes: 1. Fraser Armstrong, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Isaia WalkerLeaware, 6. Reed Prinsep, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea ©, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jackson GardenBachop, 11. Julian Savea, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14. Wes Goosen, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Liam Mitchell, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Luke Campbell, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Salesi Rayasi

-Super Rugby Aotearoa

leonec@fijisun.com.fj

Salesi Rayasi during training on March 5, 2021. He is on the bench for the Hurricanes.