Bryn Hall to lead Crusaders against Sunwolves
Experienced scrum-half Bryn Hall will captain the Crusaders in their Super Rugby encounter against the Sunwolves in Brisbane this Saturday.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson confirmed on Thursday that All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Richie Mo’unga and Jack Goodhue will all be rested for this match, with Hall taking over the leadership role from Barrett.
It is an all-new starting front-row this week, with Brodie McAlister packing down at hooker alongside props Oliver Jager and George Bower.
Meanwhile, Luke Romano (lock) and Sione Havili (blindside flank) both earn starts, and Cullen Grace makes the switch to number eight for this game. A further three changes in the backs sees Hall, Brett Cameron (fly-half) and Braydon Ennor (outside centre) all start this week.
On the replacements bench, 20-year-old Fergus Burke is set to get his first taste of Super Rugby against the Sunwolves as he provides cover at fly-half, while experienced Super Rugby hooker and Tasman representative Hugh Roach joins the side as back-up for McAlister.
“It’s really exciting to give these players an opportunity this week,” said Robertson.
“We’re fortunate to have a great group of young players coming through, who all have big futures ahead of them. They’ve been training really consistently in our environment and we look forward to seeing them take their opportunity on Saturday.
“We also welcome Whetu back from injury, he’s an important leader in our group and has worked hard to come back so to be able to name him this week is awesome.”
Crusaders: 15 George Bridge, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Bryn Hall (c), 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Oliver Jager, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 George Bower
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Isi Tuungafasi, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Manasa Mataele
Date: Saturday, March 14
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 15:35 local (05:35 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Amy Perrett (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)