Crusaders boosted as Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams return to action
Codie-Taylor-and-Tamaiti-Williams-Crusaders-image-8-May-2024
The Crusaders have received a shot in the arm ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin as All Blacks duo Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams have been named in their starting line-up.
In what is huge news for the Crusaders, Taylor and Williams will bolster their front-row as they slot in at hooker and loosehead prop respectively.
Experienced hooker Taylor is set to make his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance of the season after being on a non-playing sabbatical, while Williams returns to action after injuring his hamstring in the Crusaders‘ Round One clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Christchurch-based outfit’s head coach Rob Penney is delighted to have the All Blacks duo in their ranks for this crucial clash with the Highlanders.
‘Great Crusaders’
“Fabulous,” said Penney on Wednesday. “They’re both great Crusaders and quality players and people.
“They add huge value when they’re around and will add bounce and buoyancy which is great for us at the moment.”
Taylor and Williams will be joined in the Cusaders’ front-row by fellow All Black Fletcher Newell, who packs down at tighthead prop while, in another boost for the side, captain Scott Barrett has been ruled fit and will start at lock.
Barrett left the field in last week’s loss to the Reds in Christchurch with a pulled muscle in his back but has recovered from his injury and will join Quinten Strange in the second-row while Cullen Grace, Corey Kellow are the starting flankers and Christian Lio-Willie gets the nod at number eight.
In the backline, David Havili continues at fly-half with Noah Hotham joining him in the half-backs while Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua continue as the starting centre combination.
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In the back three, Johnny McNicholl shifts from the right wing to full-back with Chay Fihaki coming into the run-on side to wear the number 14 jersey and the Crusaders’ leading try-scorer Sevu Reece continues on the left wing.
On the bench, All Blacks duo George Bower and Owen Franks are the back-up props while George Bell covers hooker with Jamie Hannah and Tom Christie the rest of the forward replacements.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Drummond is the reserve scrum-half with Rivez Reihana and Macca Springer covering the rest of the backline positions.
Saturday’s clash with New Zealand South Island rivals is a huge encounter for the defending champions and the Highlanders as both teams are trying to clinch a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs with just four rounds of matches left of the league phase of the competition.
“Irrelevant of where teams are on the table, the Southern Derby is a massive occasion for both sides,” said Penney.
“It’s a long and deeply held tradition this game and it’s something we’ll do justice to.”
Crusaders team to face the Highlanders
Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 David Havili, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Corey Kellow, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Tom Christie, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Macca Springer
Date: Saturday, May 11
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Matt Kellahan (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)