Crusaders head North for final pre-season match with Blues

The Crusaders are heading north this week to Takapuna Rugby Club at Onewa Domain, Auckland to face the Blues 6 on February in our second and final pre-season match before the regular season begins. 

It’s another important chance to build combinations, test depth and give our Auckland-based Crusaders whānau a first look at this group in action. 

This game will be played in two 40-minute halves, and, just like last week in Timaru, the Crusaders will roll out two separate teams of 15 for each half.  

That approach means plenty of minutes for the wider squad and a good look at how different combinations shape up under pressure. 

The team will get a good boost with some All Blacks back in the mix – captain David Havili returns to the midfield and will lead the first-half side from second five, bringing his calm head and experience to a young backline.  

Up front, George Bell gets the start at hooker, while fans will be excited to see Leicester Fainga’anuku back in red and black on the left wing, ready to light up the backs. 

George Bower will join the action in the second half at prop and Christian Lio-Willie takes over the captaincy from Havili for the second spell at Number 8.  

There will be a special moment for halfback Noah Hotham, who returns after fracturing his leg in September just minutes into an All Blacks test against the Springboks. This run against the Blues is another important step in his journey back. 

First-five Taha Kemara is looking forward to having Hotham back in the fold. 

Out wide, the combination of Sevu Reece on the right wing and Chay Fihaki at fullback shapes as a real highlight for fans. Their speed, instinct and kicking game will be a great watch and should give the Crusaders plenty of spark on counterattack.  

Crusaders First Half XV 

Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili (C), Nic Sauira, Jae Broomfield, James White, Reserves: Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo, Louie Chapman. 

Crusaders Second Half XV 

George Bower, Manumaua Letiu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Xavier Saifoloi, Corey Kellow, Oli Mathis, Christian Lio-Willie (C), Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Kurtis Macdonald, Toby Bell, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki. Reserves: Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo, Louie Chapman. 

The Crusaders play the Blues at 2pm — Onewa Domain, Auckland.