25 Mar 2016

Crusaders make 7 changes for Sharks game

5:42 am on 25 March 2016

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to his starting fifteen to take on the Sharks in Durban on Sunday morning.

Crusaders captain Kieran Read

Crusaders captain Kieran Read Photo: Photosport

The Crusaders are coming off a big win over the Southern Kings when they rested a number of key players.

Joe Moody and Codie Taylor both make their way into the front row alongside Owen Franks this week, with Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett and Mike Alaalatoa providing cover from the bench.

Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock are the starting locks, with Luke Romano in the reserves and Jimmy Tupou also covering lock or loose forward.

Kieran Read steps back into the fray at number eight and will captain the side.

The experience of halfback Andy Ellis will be called upon to help drive the backline, while Ryan Crotty also returns at second five and David Havili moves back to fullback.

The Crusaders are third in the New Zealand conference with two wins and a loss, while the Sharks top the second South African Conference with three wins and a draw.

Crusaders:

1. Joe Moody

2. Codie Taylor

3. Owen Franks

4. Scott Barrett

5. Samuel Whitelock

6. Jordan Taufua

7. Matt Todd

8. Kieran Read (C)

9. Andy Ellis

10. Richie Mo'unga

11. Nemani Nadolo

12. Ryan Crotty

13. Kieron Fonotia

14. Johnny McNicholl

15. David Havili

Reserves

16. Ben Funnell

17. Wyatt Crockett

18. Mike Alaalatoa

19. Luke Romano

20. Jimmy Tupou

21. Tim Boys

22. Mitchell Drummond

23.Ben Volavola.

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