Three Fijians on a crusade
Barrett to lead 2020 campaign
THREE Fijians George Bower, Manasa Mataele and Sevu Reece are named while lock Scott Barrett will captain the Crusaders in Sam Whitelock’s absence next year.
The 25-year-old beat out other candidates, including hooker Codie Taylor, centre Jack Goodhue and loose forward Whetukamokamo Douglas, who all carried the vice-captaincy tag during the Crusaders’ victorious 2019 campaign.
Fullback David Havili, who recently captained Tasman to their inaugural national provincial crown, was another potential option to lead the side.
But coach Scott Robertson has entrusted Barrett to take over from Whitelock, who will skip next year’s Super Rugby campaign to take up a short-term contract in Japan. He is contracted to New Zealand Rugby through 2023 and is expected back at the Crusaders in 2021.
Robertson and his coaching staff weren’t at the team’s Rugby Park headquarters on Tuesday morning, when media were provided with the 38-man squad for the 2020 season but, in a statement, said Barrett was the right man for the job.
“Scott has a phenomenal work ethic, and produces consistent performances for the Crusaders,” Robertson said.
“He’s well respected by his team mates, as well as the coaching and management group, has great character and helps drive our team culture. So we see him as a natural fit to captain the side and congratulate Scooter on this exciting opportunity.” Crusaders 2020 squad:
Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Scott Barrett (c), Ethan Blackadder, George Bower, Tom Christie, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Sione Havili, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Ethan Roots, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Codie Taylor, Isi Tuungafasi.
Backs: George Bridge, Fergus Burke, Brett Cameron, Mitchell Drummond, Ere Enari, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku, Inga Finau, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Dallas McLeod, Richie Mo’unga, Fetuli Paea, Sevu Reece.
In: Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Tom Christie, George Bower, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Brodie McAlister, Ethan Roots, Isi Tuungafasi, Fergus Burke, Inga Finau, Fetuli Paea.
Out: Tim Bateman (retired), Ryan Crotty (Japan), Israel Dagg (retired), Owen Franks (UK), Ben Funnell (Japan), Mitchell Hunt (Highlanders), Tim Perry, Ngane Punivai (Highlanders), Kieran Read (Japan), Jordan Taufua (UK), Matt Todd (Japan), Sam Whitelock (Japan sabbatical)