Dagg on wing for Crusaders

Editor

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made 10 changes to the side that beat the Chiefs last week for Saturday’s clash with the Rebels.

Last week’s bench front row of Wyatt Crockett, Ben Funnell and Mike Alaalatoa becomes the starting front row in Melbourne. Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody and Oli Jager will provide cover.

Lock Quinten Strange will make his first start of the season, pairing up with Sam Whitelock, while Luke Romano takes a spot on the bench.

The loose forward trio will be Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Pete Samu and Jordan Taufua, with Jed Brown having recovered from injury to take a place in the reserves.

Israel Dagg will also return from injury to take the wing this week, with Manasa Mataele on the opposite wing. Tim Bateman steps into the 12 spot and Seta Tamanivalu will start at centre.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Oli Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 George Bridge

Date: Saturday, May 27
Venue: AAMI Park
Kick-off: 19:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Damon Murphy
TMO: George Ayoub