Bridge to start first match
CRUSADERS winger George Bridge has been named to start in what will be his first Super Rugby match since rupturing his pectoral muscle while training with the All Blacks in October.
Bridge, normally a left winger, has been named on the right wing in place of Sevu Reece, with Leicester Fainga’anuku holding onto the No.11 jersey.
“Leicester has been superb for us, and we just wanted to make sure we had flexibility in our options in our backs, and to give George the chance to play on both wings, because he can play fullback as well,” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
“He can show the All Blacks’ selectors that he’s got utility factor and can play both sides.”
Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Tony Brown has expressed his disappointment after Josh Ioane, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Patelesio Tomkinson, and Sione Misiloi broke team protocols and were not considered for selection.
“They let the team down around their standards,” Brown said.
“They broke the code we live by. It’s all around the professional habits.
“They let the team down, and the whole organisation, and they won’t be available for selection.”
It’s a massive blow to the struggling Highlanders, who are 1-3 in Super Rugby Aotearoa following a disappointing 30-19 loss to the Hurricanes last Friday night.
Stuff understands there was a loud party at Ioane’s house last weekend and Brown all but confirmed the incident was alcohol related.
“I can’t really say. It’s in-house,” he said. “They’ve let their standards down around preparation. They’ve let the leaders down, they let the organisation down.”
Brown said he expected more from the talented playmaker who is danger of squandering his talent.
“Josh is an All Black. If he wants to get back there for sure he’ll have to be better.”
CRUSADERS (15-1): Will Jordan, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Mitchell Dunshea, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Sevu Reece
HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Connor Garden-Bachop, Scott Gregory, Michael Collins, Thomas UmagaJensen, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Folau Fakatava, Kazuki Himeno, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (co-c), Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith (co-c), Caleb Makene, James Lentjes