Mataele to start at wing for the Crusaders

Manasa Mataele will start at wing for the Crusaders when the red and blacks kickoff their quest for more silverware in the trans-Tasman competition.

Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor will take over the captaincy from Scott Barrett in his 100th match for the franchise tonight.

The 30-year-old will reach the milestone against the Brumbies in Christchurch.

Regular skipper Barrett has been named on the bench for the campaign opener, one of a few tweaks head coach Scott Robertson has made from the team which won the Super Rugby Aotearoa crown last weekend.

The decision to rest fullback Will Jordan, who took a knock to the foot in the decider, and the naming of Sevu Reece on the bench, has prompted a reshuffle in the backs.

George Bridge will start at fullback with Leicester Fainga’anuku and Manasa Mataele on the wings, while centre Braydon Ennor will make his first Super Rugby start since his knee injury last September.

The Crusaders will play the Brumbies at 7.05 tonight. The Rebels will face the Blues at 9.45pm and the Force will take on the Chiefs at 11.55pm.

In a match last night, the Hurricanes outclassed the Waratahs 64-48.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]