SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, ROUND 10, CANTERBURY CRUSADERS v MELBOURNE REBELS

FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2024 APPOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH,NZ

Crusaders Gear Up for Home Clash with Rebels

The team is gearing up for a week of hard work and consistency as we head back home for only our third game in Christchurch this season. Naturally the pressure is on the Crusaders to turn in a shift worthy of the support they have from their loyal members and fans. 

Scott Barrett Returns to Bolster Crusaders’ Forward Pack

Scott Barrett is back in what we know can be a momentum shifting start at lock. The seasoned captain has played a pivotal role in uniting the team behind the green fence at Rugby Park in recent weeks, even while recuperating from a finger injury, so to have him back on the field…stoked. 

David Havili Makes Comeback as Cover for Fly-half Position

David Havili makes his comeback from injury, providing cover for the fly-half position on the bench. Anticipate his increased involvement around the first five jersey in the upcoming matches.

Key Players to Watch in Crusaders Lineup

The Ethan Blackadder and Cullen Grace combo is building nicely as Grace marks his 50th game in the colours – a huge milestone for a key member of the squad. Christian Lio-Willie rounds out the loose forwards, earning another start off the back of some solid performances. 

Exciting Backline for the Crusaders

George Bower, Brodie McAlister and Fletcher Newell recombine in the front row, with Quinted Strange joining Barrett as lock.

George Bell, Joe Moody, and Owen Franks are poised to step into the front row when required, along with Jamie Hannah and Corey Kellow.

Backline Dynamics for Crusaders

Rivez Reihana returns to full fitness and will assume the fly-half role, partnering with centurion Crusader Mitch Drummond in the halfback position. Noah Hotham will provide relief for Drummond from the bench.

Heremaia Murray earns a starting position on the left wing, while Sevu Reece, the Crusaders’ all-time leading try scorer, will occupy the right wing. Reece took over the mantle from Caleb Ralph last week when he touched down for his 53rd try in the red and black.

Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua form the center pairing, while Johnny McNicholl earns his first start at fullback. Chay Fihaki will make his return to the lineup from the bench.

Crusaders Starting Line-up

Crusaders

Johnny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Heremaia Murray, Rivez Reihana, Mitchell Drummond; Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinted Strange , Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower

Reserves. George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Chay Fihaki

Rebels Ready to Challenge Crusaders on Home Turf

The Rebels head to Christchurch with confidence and momentum on their side, having secured three consecutive wins before the bye week. The Rebels dominant scrum has proven to be a weapon in both defence and attack this season, turning over opposition ball and draining their opposition of any attacking opportunity. 

Crusaders vs Rebels: Key Matchup

However, the most notable change has been the Rebels’ capability to finish games strongly and implement their rapid and daring style of ball-in-play rugby. Their proficiency lies in swiftly moving the ball into space, generating opportunities, and capitalizing on every chance that arises. A prime example is hat trick hero Darby Lancaster, whose electrifying pace and exceptional ball skills illuminated AAMI Park against the Highlanders, particularly during crucial moments.

Backline Dynamics for Rebels

The Rebels’ starting team sees Alex Mafi move into the starting hooker position after demonstrating solid form since returning from injury. The formidable props, Matt Gibbon and Captain Sam Talakai, will take the field as integral components of the starting lineup, once again joining forces as key figures in driving the scrum.

Tuaina Taii Tualima retains his starting position at lock, accompanied by the return of Josh Canham, who has recovered from a head knock sustained against the Drua.

The starting back row comprising Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, and Vailoini Ekuasi is establishing itself as one of the most physically imposing units in the competition. Ekuasi stands out, leading the Rebels’ defense with an impressive tally of 86 tackles for the season.

Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon combine again as playmakers, notching up the pairs’ ninth straight start together for the season. Gordon will bring his flat-at-the-line attacking play style to Christchurch, with the fly half leading the Rebels for carries so far this season.

Kevin Foote has selected the hard-running David Feliuai and Filipo Daugunu to partner in the midfield. Beyond their prowess in ball carrying and defense, Daugunu has showcased his skillset by currently ranking as the second-highest for breakdown steals in the competition.

Following a stellar beginning to his Super Rugby journey, Darby Lancaster retains his spot on the wing, while Lachie Anderson dons the number 14 jersey for another start.

The in form pair are a constant threat in the Rebels backline, and both have proven they have the speed out wide, but also the ability to get in amongst the ruckwork when needed.   

The experienced Andrew Kellaway takes up the position of fullback, solidifying his role at the heart of the Rebels’ backfield. The Rebel has four tries to his name this season, and his silky footwork and ability to break first-up tackles are giving his teammates the momentum to attack freely in follow up play.

Rebels Starting Line-up

Rebels

Andrew Kellaway, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Darby lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Maciu Nabolakasi, Josh Kemeny, Josh Canham, Tuaina Taii Tualma, Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon.

Reserves. Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Rob Leota, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste

Referee. Angus Mabey

Assistant Referees. Nick Hogan, Anthony Petrie

Prediction.

With one win on the season and having just been belted by the Force in Perth, you have to be at least a little bit apprehensive about backing the Crusaders.

Not to mention the Rebels have won three in a row including last week’s 16 point victory over the Highlanders in Melbourne.

History suggests the Crusaders will win this one comfortably, but recent form points to the Rebels.

My heart says Crusaders, but I really don’t know about this team any more. I like the look of the team selections a bit more this week, and at home should help.

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