All Blacks and Crusaders talisman Will Jordan makes his return to the starting lineup after an apparent “All Blacks rest week" for this weekend's southern derby against the Highlanders in their round 5 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific game.
The defending champions will be looking to avenge their 25-23 loss to the Highlanders in round one.
Earlier this week, during training, tempers flared, and two players had to be separated by skipper David Havili after blows were traded.
Braydon Ennor has replaced Leicester Fainga’anuku at centre, who drops to the bench, and Tahlor Cahill will start at lock for the injured Jamie Hannah.
Hooker George Bell has recovered from his foot injury and will cover, starting rake Codie Taylor while Tasman loose forward Johnny Lee will make his Crusaders debut in an early-season crunch match.
The 22-year-old will start in the No. 7 jersey with Corey Kellow and Dominic Gardiner unavailable through injury.
Lee was one of the Crusaders’ standouts in their pre-season victory over the Highlanders in Timaru in January, and his inclusion has pushed Ethan Blackadder into the No 6 jersey.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Johnny Lee, Ethan Blackadder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis.
Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod.
The Crusaders play the Highlanders at 6.05pm tomorrow.
In other games, the Hurricanes will meet the Force at 6.05 tonight, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Brumbies at 3.35pm tomorrow, the Reds host the Waratahs at 8.35pm while the Blues play the Moana Pasifika at 2.35pm Sunday.
Source: Stuff.co
