Matt Todd to lead Crusaders against Blues

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong matchday squad to take on the Blues in their Super Rugby opener at Eden Park on Saturday.

The side will be captained by Matt Todd in the absence of regular skipper Sam Whitelock. Ryan Crotty has been named vice-captain.

The team features 10 players in the starting line-up who were part of the All Blacks environment in 2018, including Test debutants Richie Mo’unga at fly-half and George Bridge on the left wing.

20-year-old Will Jordan has also been named in the matchday side, and could earn his first Super Rugby cap if called on to take the field.

“After a long pre-season, there is a lot of excitement among the group to get our 2019 campaign underway.” said Robertson.

“The team is refreshed and eager to get back into their work following two solid pre-season games. The Blues present a big challenge for us first up on Saturday night, which is a fantastic way to start the season.”

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Matt Todd (c), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan

Date: Saturday, February 16
Venue: Eden Park
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Federico Anselmi (Argentina), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)