Kieran Read to play first game of 2019
Kieran Read of the Crusaders makes a run in the Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Sunwolves at AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, April 14 2017. (AAP Image/SNPA, Adam Binns)
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a starting XV that includes the return of three New Zealand internationals, including All Blacks captain Kieran Read.
Read, alongside Scott Barrett and Richie Mo’unga, will line up against the Hurricanes, which means Quinten Strange and Brett Cameron shift to the reserves.
The return of Read sees Whetu Douglas move to the blindside, and Jordan Taufua take Tom Sanders’ spot on the bench, after Sanders dislocated his shoulder against the Waratahs last weekend.
The only other changes to the match-day 23 see Mitchell Drummond return to provide cover for Bryn Hall at half-back and Oliver Jager set to play his first Super Rugby match of 2019.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 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 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Harry Allan
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Will Jordan
Date: Friday, March 29
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Nick Hogan (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Peterson (New Zealand)