BNZ Crusaders name team for the Southern Derby

May 11 • General News, Super Rugby • 1141 Views • Comments Off on BNZ Crusaders name team for the Southern Derby

(No Ratings Yet)

This weekend see’s the classic Southern Derby of the Investec Super Rugby tournament Pulse Energy Highlander’s vs BNZ Crusaders. The game takes place on Friday 13^th May at Forsyth Bar Stadium, Dunedin. Kick off is at 7.35pm.

Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team to play the Highlanders making three changes to the starting fifteen that played the Reds last weekend.

Owen Franks starts at tight head prop while Luke Romano will partner Sam Whitelock in the second row. At halfback Andy Ellis returns to the starting line up in place of Mitchell Drummond who along with Mike Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett join a sub’s bench that will offer plenty of impact when the chance arises for them.

‘There is nothing like a classic Southern Derby to bring out the best in both the Crusaders and the Highlanders. It is always a great game with an amazing atmosphere and with both teams playing well and hungry for the win there is sure to be plenty of passion on the field this Friday’ says Blackadder.

BNZ Crusaders are delighted to confirm that halfback Leon Fukofuka, has re-signed with the team for another two years. Fukofuka who joined the squad this season said: “I’m just loving being part of this Crusaders environment. It is a great group of players and coaches whom I am learning a lot from, so re-signing was really an easy decision to make.’

Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:

1. Wyatt Crockett	Reserves
2. Codie Taylor	16. Ged Robinson
3. Owen Franks	17. Joe Moody
4. Luke Romano	18. Mike Alaalatoa
5. Sam Whitelock	19. Scott Barrett
6. Jordan Taufua	20. Tim Boys
7. Matt Todd	21. Mitchell Drummond
8. Kieran Read (c)	22. Ryan Crotty
9. Andy Ellis	23. Marty Mckenzie
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Jone Macilai
12. David Havili
13. Kieron Fonotia
14. Johnny McNicholl
15. Israel Dagg