Codie Taylor leads strong Crusaders side

David Skippers

Codie Taylor of Crusaders breaks away for his team during the 2019 Super Rugby game between the Stormers and the Crusaders at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town on 18 May 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

All Black hooker Codie Taylor will captain the Crusaders in their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong team for their opening match of the tournament and, while it includes eight All Blacks in the starting side, the Christchurch-based outfit will be without regular captain Scott Barrett.

26-year-old Barrett has been ruled out of this game with a foot injury, meaning Taylor has an opportunity to captain the side for the first time. Returning lock Sam Whitelock joins the starting line-up alongside Mitch Dunshea.

It is also a welcome return to play for vice-captain David Havili (abdominal surgery) and loose forward Ethan Blackadder (shoulder), who have both been named on the bench.

Robertson spoke to local media in Christchurch on Friday and said the team is excited to prepare for a game this week after watching on last weekend.

“It’s a great feeling to get into a game week and there’s a lot of excitement in the group,” he said.

“Your home games are really, really important and to win away is a big task so they’ll [Hurricanes] be protecting their patch and we’re excited to get up there.”

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 David Havili, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku

Date: Sunday, June 21
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15:35 (04:35 BST, 03:35 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant referees: James Doleman, Mike Fraser
TMO: Paul Williams

 

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