For the first time this season, the Crusaders have announced their squad to play their South Island rivals, the Highlanders, in Dunedin this coming Saturday. With just four games remaining in the regular season, we’re hoping to finish the last few weeks of Super Rugby Pacific 2024 with victories to guarantee a top eight berth.
Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor return to the starting XV at tighthead prop and hooker, which is tremendous news for both players and fans. While Codie has been out of action for the entire season, Tamaiti suffered a hamstring injury in Round 1 while breaking down the right flank against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Quin Strange takes Scooter’s place at lock, while Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, and Cullen Grace complete the forward group. When required, Jamie Hannah will sprint onto the paddock to cover for him, and when called upon, Tom Christie will contribute greatly off the bench. His tackles-won stats are consistently among the highest in the competition.
David Havili is back in the starting 10 jersey, while Noah Hotham has earned another start at halfback. At halfback and first five, Mitch Drummond and Rivez Reihana are poised to take the field.
This weekend, Sevu Reece will try to add to his 100 first-class tries from the left wing, while Chay Fihaki will make a comeback to the starting lineup on the right wing. Anticipate that he will as well be first-choice kicker when duty calls. Macca Springer has the 23 jersey in his locker this week.
