Fiji-born All Blacks winger Sevu Reece will be making his much-awaited return for the Crusaders after being named to start against the Highlanders in their final pre-season match this Friday.
Reece suffered a serious knee injury when he ruptured his ACL against the Blues in round 4 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific last season.
The injury ruled him out for the rest of the year including a chance to represent the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup last year.
Reece has been named to start at number 14.
Another Fiji-born outside back Jone Rova has been named to start at second five-eighth.
The side will be captained by hooker Brodie McAlister.
The Crusaders lineup to face the Highlanders:
Tamaiti Williams, Brodie McAlister (c), Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, George Reeves, Fletcher Anderson, Torian Barnes, Louie Chapman, Dan Hawkins, Heremaia Murray, Jone Rova, Toby Bell, Sevu Reece, Taine Robinson
Replacements:
Ioane Moananu, Joe Moody, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Cooper Roberts, Isaac Hutchinson, Blair Murray, Jack Gray.
The Crusaders will take on the Highlanders at 3pm Friday in Christchurch in their final Super Rugby Pacific pre-season match.
| Date | Time | Team | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
