Ryan Crotty hits 150 for Crusaders

Crusaders vice-captain Ryan Crotty is set to make his 150th Super Rugby appearance this weekend when the champions host the Rebels in Christchurch. 

The West Stand at Christchurch Stadium has been renamed the ‘Ryan Crotty Stand’ for this match, and members of Ryan’s New Brighton Rugby Club and former school, Shirley Boys’ High School, have been invited to attend.

There are just two changes to the team this week, with vice-captain Matt Todd returning to the starting side in place of Billy Harmon, and Bryn Hall, in his 50th Crusaders game, also moving to the starting line-up. Ereatara Enari will provide cover at scrum-half.

It’s also a welcome return to play for prop Tim Perry, who makes his Super Rugby return following a lengthy arm injury. Perry has been named amongst the replacements in the number 17 jersey.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Braydon Ennor, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 George Bower, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Ngane Punivai

Date: Saturday, June 8
Venue: Christchurch Stadium
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), James Munro (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)