FRIDAY, MARCH 29th, 2024 APPOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH NZ
Absence of Havili: Drummond Takes the Lead
Interim captain David Havili (calf) will be absent for the Crusaders, having sustained an injury during last weekend’s defeat to the Blues. Halfback Mitch Drummond will step up to lead the team in his absence.
Havili Withdraws: McLeod to Start, Drummond Captains
Due to a sore calf muscle, All Black Havili has been compelled to withdraw. Dallas McLeod, who earned one test appearance last year, will now start at second-five, while recalled halfback Mitchell Drummond takes up the captaincy.
Leadership Void: Havili’s Absence Leaves a Gap
While Havili hasn’t quite reached his peak performance this season, his wisdom and leadership were almost palpable, especially in moments of crisis. Now, with his absence, this invaluable asset is lost, and the timing couldn’t be more unfortunate.
Key Skipper Out: Barrett’s Long-Term Injury
First choice skipper Scott Barrett has a long term injury.
Playoff Hopes: Crusaders Seek Redemption
Despite the forgiving playoff structure, the Crusaders understand they have ample opportunity to secure a spot. Indeed, trailing the eighth-placed Fijian Drua by only seven points offers hope, but significant improvements are imperative following their 26-6 loss to the Blues last weekend.
Defensive Struggle: Crusaders’ Tackling Woes
Deprived of possession and territory at Eden Park, the Crusaders found themselves making 202 tackles, with 44 being missed. With lock Quinten Strange unavailable because of a sore neck, inexperienced Jamie Hannah had to make the calls and set-piece resembled a dark comedy; they lost nine on their own throw.
Squad Adjustments: Moody’s Replacement and McNicholl’s Return
A significant absence from the lineup is All Black loosehead prop Joe Moody, who has been replaced on the bench by Kershawl Sykes Martin. This change came after Finlay Brewis was withdrawn due to a tight calf.
Chiefs’ Bold Move: Resting McKenzie
Ex-Wales wing Johnny McNicholl starts on the left wing for his first appearance for the Crusaders since 2016. He replaces Macca Springer, who took a blow to the face in Auckland and has been listed in the reserves.
The Chiefs have controversially rested star playmaker Damian McKenzie for Friday’s clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch. Rookie Josh Jacomb has been handed the keys at No.10 instead.
Crusaders’ Struggle: Can They Turn the Tide?
Even with All Black Damian McKenzie not starting at first five-eighth, the Chiefs, who boast a 4-1 record, will arrive confident they have the weaponry to harpoon the defending champions, as they did when the beat them 33-29 in the first-round game in Hamilton on February 23.
Such a move would have been unthinkable in previous seasons but the defending champion Crusaders are zero from five and probably will be zero from six comes Saturday morning.
CRUSADERS
George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitch Drummond, Riley Hohepa, Johnny McNicholl, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
RESERVES
James Mullen, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Owen Franks, Dominic Gardiner, Fletcher Anderson, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
CHIEFS
Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES
Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Mike Winter
PREDICTION
Seriously, how could you pick the Crusaders at the moment.? They have been terrible all season, but I suppose the wins have to start some time, just maybe not this week. They have a bye next week, so I am sure they will win there. After that they have the Waratahs, Force, Rebels, Reds, Highlanders, Brumbies, Blues, and Moana Pasifika. If they get some players back from injury, well who knows. Any way I have a feeling that at home, the Saders might cause a huge upset. Be warned Chiefs fans.
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