SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, ROUND 11, MAY 6th,2023 CRUSADERS v WESTERN FORCE
ORANGETHEORY STADIUM,CHRISTCHURCH,NZ.
He’s back.
Will Jordan has been named at fullback for the Crusaders’ home match against the Western Force in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.
Sidelined with a lingering migraine issue, the 25-year-old hasn’t played since the final fixture of last year’s Rugby Championship, against the Wallabies at Eden Park on September 24.
The condition can cause vertigo, dizziness, nausea and difficulties with balance.
But the All Blacks weapon has been named to start at fullback as he looks to build a case for Rugby World Cup selection.
Jordan was set to return against the Rebels a fortnight ago, only for a setback to push out his return to play further.
It makes for an all Tasman Mako back-three against the Force, with Leicester Fainga’anuku and Macca Springer named on the wing.
Lock Sam Whitelock will sit out the match as a precaution, after taking a knock to his Achilles last week against the Chiefs, while halfback Willi Heinz (calf) is also out. Young half Noah Hotham gets an oportunity here and should impress.
Crusaders:
Will Jordan, Macca Springer, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Noah Hotham, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Dom Gardiner, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (capt), Tamaiti Williams, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody.
Reserves. Codie Taylor, Seb Calder, Oli Jager, Zach Gallagher, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue.
Force:
Chase Tiatia, Zach Kibirige, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Manasa Mataele, Max Burey, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isi Naisarani, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells (capt), Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Charlie Hancock.
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Bowen Abra, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Nikolai Foliaki, George Poolman.
Meanwhile, former sevens star Max Burey will make his Force debut after five-eighth Bryce Hegarty was ruled out with a knee injury.
Burey will start at No.10 in a daunting challenge against Richie Mo’unga and the defending champions.
“This is the best opportunity I have been given,” Burey said.
“Playing Super Rugby in Australia is exactly where I want to be. I thought if I don’t play soon, I’ll never get the chance, so I am very happy to be given the opportunity…
“Unfortunately, a few guys have been injured, but that allows me to keep progressing along… I think I bring a bit of new energy.”
Referee. Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees. Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION.
The Force will find this tough going in Christchurch against the defending champions, in front of the home crowd. The Crusaders need a bonus point win to stay in touch with the top teams and I think they will grab the opportunity here. Crusaders by 21 points.
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