SATURDAY 4th, MAY,ROUND 11, 2024 APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH
Are the Crusaders back?! Well , we will see.
The Return of Key Players
Just a few weeks ago it seemed their season was over but with one huge win over the Rebels there’s every chance they can make it into the top 8 and enter the playoffs. Welcoming back a sleuth of top names including Leigh Halfpenny, Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua, while David Havili will make a radical switch into the playmaker role at 10.
Reds’ Line-up Changes
It’s a different story for the Reds though with their own fly-half Tom Lynagh ruled out through a hamstring twinge replaced by Lawson Creighton, but at least they’ll see the welcome return of Fraser McReight from suspension. Dropping down to six, the Reds desperately need a win here to solidify their top 8 ranking.
Squad Updates
Elsewhere in the pack, Fijian international Peni Ravai returns to the starting front-row while Wallaby Zane Nonggorr is a fresh reserve prop for the bench.
In the backline, the experienced Lawson Creighton will have his first start at flyhalf for 2024 in place of Tom Lynagh, who is unavailable with a hamstring twinge.
On the wing, Tim Ryan retains his place after his breakout three-try performance against the Blues last weekend. Mac Grealy returns from a week off for load management. This means that Suliasi Vunivalu, who has played more minutes than any other Reds winger this season, will play off the bench in Christchurch.
Match Line-ups
Crusaders
Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny McNicholl, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower.
Reserves
George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki
Reds
Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Mac Grealy, Lawson Creighton, Kalani Thomas, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Reserves
Josh Nasser, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Match Officials
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
Predictions
It is fair to say this is not the Crusaders side of old, who were feared, especially in Christchurch, but they can still hurt sides who are not on their game. Interesting to see David Havili at 10,and Halfpenny at 15. A beautiful 13/14 degrees will be waiting for the Queenslanders.
For the Reds the home side will have to watch winger Tim Ryan who showed some gas against the Blues last week scoring three good tries.
I will give the home side the benefit of the doubt here, but not with a lot of confidence. Both sides are capable of winning.
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