Crusaders receive major boost as Taylor and Williams return to the front row

Defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champion, the Crusaders have received a major boost ahead of their round 12 clash against the Highlanders this weekend with the return of two All Blacks Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor in the front row.

Williams will start at loosehead prop, while Taylor returns to hooker from his non-playing sabbatical moving George Bower to the bench and Brodie McAlister rested due to injury.

Fletcher Newell will start at tighthead to complete the front row.

Coach Rob Penny labelled the two players’ return as fabulous and said they’re both great Crusaders and quality players and people.

Penny says they add huge value when they’re around and will add bounce and buoyancy which is great for the team at the moment.

He says irrelevant of where teams are on the table, the Southern Derby is a massive occasion for both sides and it’s a long and deeply held tradition and it’s something the Crusaders are looking to do justice to.

In another boost, captain Scott Barrett has been named despite leaving the field after 13 minutes last week with back spasms.

He will partner Quinten Strange in the second row to form a strong tight five unit.

Penny has also gone for a Fijian wing pair with Chay Fihaki moving to the right wing while Sevu Reece continues on the left wing.

The Crusaders will take on the Highlanders at 7.05pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Force at 11.55pm on Saturday.

In other matches this week, Moana Pasifika will play the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Reds will take on the Rebels at 9.35pm tomorrow, the Blues will play the Hurricanes at 4.35pm Saturday, and the Waratahs will host the Brumbies at 9.35pm Saturday.