Crusaders bolstered as All Blacks star ruled fit for Super Rugby Pacific final against Chiefs
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney and front-row forward Tamaiti Williams.
The Crusaders have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs in Christchurch when it was confirmed that All Blacks front-row Tamaiti Williams has been declared fit for the clash.
The home side’s head coach, Rob Penney, has made two alterations to his team for the eagerly anticipated encounter at the Apollo Projects Stadium with Williams and Macca Springer the new faces in the starting line-up after last weekend’s semi-final victory over the Blues.
Williams is back in action after recovering from a knee injury and comes into the run-on side at the expense of fellow New Zealand front-row George Bower at loosehead prop, while Springer replaces Chay Fihaki, who is ruled out with concussion.
Codie Taylor is the starting hooker and packs down up front alongside Williams and tighthead Fletcher Newell in an All Blacks front-row and Penney is delighted that Williams has made a full recovery from his injury.
‘The blessing of having a great squad’
“Tamaiti is ready to go, he was on the cusp of being ready last week but it’s the blessing of having a great squad; George Bower has done an amazing job and he’s unlucky not to be starting but Tamaiti has got himself back into selection and he’s going to get the opportunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Antonio Shalfoon and the experienced Scott Barrett continue in the second-row while Tom Christie and Ethan Blackadder are the two flankers and the back-row is completed by Christian Lio-Willie, who packs down at number eight.
In the backline, exciting playmaker Rivez Reihana will be combining with All Blacks scrum-half Noah Hotham as the starting half-back combination.
“I know the Chiefs boys really well, being up there for four or five years, you build some relationships so it’ll definitely be good to see them again and come up against them,” said Reihana.
With Fihaki missing out, Springer takes his spot the left wing this week, with All Blacks speedster and Super Rugby‘s top try-scorer Sevu Reece lining up on the right wing.
“Macca has been training hard behind the scenes,” said Penney. “You always say to your players; an opportunity will come, be ready. Now it’s come and he’s ready.”
The rest of the backline sees skipper David Havili and Braydon Ennor forming the centre combination while All Blacks star Will Jordan continues as the starting full-back.
Although the Crusaders have won 31 successive play-off matches in Christchurch, Penney is taking nothing or granted and said his troops are fully focused on the task at hand.
“History is history, it is what it is and we’re not even thinking about that, we’re just thinking about the contest ahead of us which is really exciting,” he explained.
“We’re at home in front of our people and it’s going to be such a magic occasion.”
Crusaders team to face the Chiefs
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Macca Springer, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Cullen Grace, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Dallas McLeod
Date: Saturday, June 21
Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy (Australia), Matt Kellahan (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
Photo credit: Speed Media AU/Iconsportswire/James Foy
