Mataele to start for Crusaders against Blues

Fiji-born wing Manasa Mataele has been listed to start as Crusaders coach Scott Robertson unleashes his All Blacks players on the Blues.

All Black captain Kieran Read, lock Sam Whitelock, midfield Jack Goodhue and hooker Codie Taylor won't see action at Eden Park, the two‑time defending champions still have plenty of international‑class to call on.

Openside flanker Matt Todd will captain the side, assisted by second‑five Ryan Crotty.

International props Joe Moody and Owen Franks will anchor the scrum with Scott Barrett in the second row and Richie Mo'unga at first‑five.

The Blues will meet the Crusaders at 6.35pm Saturday.

The Super Rugby competition will kick off at 6.35pm tomorrow with the Chiefs taking on the Highlanders in Waikato while the Brumbies will meet the Rebels at 8.45pm.

Crusaders: 1‑Joe Moody, 2‑Andrew Makalio, 3‑Owen Franks, 4‑Scott Barrett, 5‑Quinten Strange, 6‑Jordan Taufua, 7‑Matt Todd, 8‑Whetu Douglas, 9‑Bryn Hall, 10‑Richie Mo'unga, 11‑George Bridge, 12‑Ryan Crotty, 13‑Braydon Ennor, 14‑Manasa Mataele, 15‑David Havili

Reserves: 16‑Ben Funnell, 17‑Tim Perry, 18‑Michael Alaalatoa, 19‑Luke Romano, 20‑Tom Sanders, 21‑Mitchell Drummond, 22‑Mitchell Hunt, 23‑Will Jordan

ADVERTISEMENT