Crusaders unchanged for semi-final with Hurricanes

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged matchday 23 for Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final with the Hurricanes in Christchurch. 

The squad includes 27-year-old loose forward Jordan Taufua, who has been named on the bench for this game in what will be his 100th appearance for the Crusaders.

Tim Perry, who was ruled out of last week’s quarter-final, is once again unavailable for this match due to an arm injury.

Robertson said the team has shown the Hurricanes plenty of respect with their preparation for the semi-final: “We’ve really enjoyed this week, the group came in excited to have earned another opportunity to play at home, and we’ve prepared accordingly for this quality Hurricanes side.

“They’re well-coached, with genuine attacking threats across the park, so we know there is a massive challenge ahead of us this weekend.

“We’re also really proud of Jordan, who’ll become the 18th Crusader to play 100 games for the club. He’s been a loyal Crusader for a number of years now and sharing this milestone with him on Saturday night will certainly add to the occasion for our squad, and our fans.

“The game has been well supported, and we’re going to need every single one of our fans to get behind this team on Saturday night – we look forward to seeing them there in numbers!”

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetu Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Date: Saturday, June 29
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)