9 December, 2025, 1:02 am Central - 22°C Clouds

Crusaders make 7 changes ahead of the Force game

Crusaders make 7 changes ahead of the Force game

By Semi Turaga
23/03/2017
Prop Wyatt Crockett

The Crusaders have named a team with seven changes for Friday’s match against Western Force.

Prop Wyatt Crockett and lock Luke Romano will make their first starts of the season.

Tim Perry and Michael Alaalatoa will provide prop cover this week and Mitchell Dunshea is primed for his Crusaders debut as lock/loose forward cover.

Scott Barrett shifts from lock to loose forward, filling the number 6 jersey.

Matt Todd returns to play at 7 and Jordan Taufua shifts to number 8.

The halfbacks have rotated so that Mitchell Drummond gets the start this week.

Tim Bateman steps in at centre, while Digby Ioane returns from a finger injury to play on the wing.

Marty McKenzie and Manasa Mataele are on the bench this week.

The Crusaders will take on the Force at 6:35pm tomorrow while the Rebels will take on the Waratahs at 8.35pm tomorrow.

The Blues will take on the Bulls at 6.35pm this Saturday while the Brumbies will play the Highlanders at 8.45pm.

1. Wyatt Crockett , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Luke Romano , 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Scott Barrett , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Jordan Taufua , 9. Mitchell Drummond , 10. Mitchell Hunt , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC) , 13. Tim Bateman , 14. Digby Ioane , 15. David Havili

Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell , 17. Tim Perry , 18. Michael Alaalatoa , 19. Mitchell Dunshea , 20. Pete Samu , 21. Bryn Hall , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23. Manasa Mataele

Source: Superxv

FNRL
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