Preston promoted to starting halfback after impressive performance against the Hurricanes

Crusaders’ uprising star Kyle Preston has been promoted to the starting lineup for tomorrow’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round 2 clash against the Chiefs after an incredible performance against the Hurricanes last week.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in his debut game last weekend and scored three tries to help them secure a 33-25 win over the Hurricanes in Christchurch.

Preston replaces Noah Hotham who has been ruled out of this match after suffering an ankle sprain.

Preston will join Waikato native Taha Kemara in the halves, who will be lining up at No. 10 for the first time in his hometown at the Super Rugby level.

Kemara says he has got about 20 tickets for the game and he feels excited to be playing in front of his family and against a few of his mates.

Crusaders Coach Rob Penney labelled the Chiefs as the team to beat after their big win over the Blues in Auckland in round one.

Penny says they are excited for the opportunity to be going up against the Chiefs on their home ground, and it’s the best against the best of the country at the moment.

The Crusaders team that will take on the Chiefs will see Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu and Fletcher Newell forming the front row, Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon will partner up in the locks, Cullen Grace and Ethan Blackadder will be on the flanks and Christian Lio-Willie will be at number 8.

Kyle Preston and Taha Kemara will pair up in the halves, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki will be on the wings, David Havili and Levi Aumua will be at centres and Will Jordan will start at fullback.

The reserves are Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O’Connor, and Dallas McLeod.

The Crusaders will take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm tomorrow in Hamilton.

In other matches this week, the Reds will take on Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm tomorrow, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Saturday in Napier, the Highlanders will take on the Blues at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Brumbies will play the Force at 8.35pm Saturday.