New faces aplenty for Crusaders to face Moana Pasifika

· crusaders.co.nz · GETTY IMAGES
GettyImages 1487886380
The Crusaders have named their team to take on Moana Pasifika at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday, in Round 13 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.

Head coach Scott Robertson is resting several All Blacks this week to adhere to rest protocols, so expect to see a fresh young team taking the field in Auckland – the first time the Crusaders have played Moana Pasifika at their home ground.

Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Brodie McAlister and Tamaiti Williams make up a new-look front row, while Ioane Moananu, Andrew Turner and Seb Calder sit ready to make an impact off the bench up front.

Scott Barrett continues to lead the team from the middle of the scrum alongside fellow lock Zach Gallagher.

Sioni Talitui slots into blindside with Corey Kellow at openside, while Cullen Grace fits into the No. 8 jersey.

Dominic Gardiner and Christian Lio-Willie lack neither talent nor experience after some decent minutes this season. They’ll be itching to take the field off the bench in Auckland.

Young halfback Noah Hotham gets a start this weekend as does Fergus Burke at No. 10. Taha Kemara returns to the bench after a lengthy sideline stay after breaking his hand in Round 3, and Mitchell Drummond will be a steady pair of hands out the back of the ruck when needed.

The sideline cameraman will get a workout keeping up with Macca Springer on the left wing, and Chay Fihaki on the right.

Dallas McLeod is expected to continue his stellar form in the centre this week alongside fan-favourite Jack Goodhue.

Will Jordan resumes duties at fullback this week after a splendid return to play and form in recent weeks. Wil Gualter sits ready and waiting in the 23 jersey.

Moana Pasifika v Crusaders, Friday 19 May, 7.05pm, Go Media Stadium Mt Smart. TICKETS.

LATEST NEWS

View all
Blues wary of Queensland threat
The Blues are Brisbane-bound this week, preparing to face the giant killing Queensland Reds on Friday night at 9:35pm (NZT) at Suncorp Stadium.
New Zealand Under 20 to play two matches against the Junior Wallabies in Wellington
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the New Zealand Under 20 team will play the Junior Wallabies in Wellington twice, ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship kicking off in South Africa next month.
Do-or-die time for Highlanders in Dunedin
It's do-or-die time for the Highlanders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific, and they go into their game against the Rebels in Dunedin on Saturday knowing they must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Anton Lienert-Brown ready to take game to next level
Chiefs and All Blacks midfield back Anton Lienert-Brown was motivated to continue his quest to see how far he could take his game when re-signing with New Zealand Rugby until 2026.
Black Ferns Sevens dominate end-of-season awards
New Zealand's Black Ferns Sevens dominated World Rugby's end-of-season awards that were presented at a function in Toulouse after completing their HSBC World Series.
Fan hot takes: Mo’unga the GOAT?
We asked fans for their hot takes on DHL Super Rugby Pacific and they delivered.
Anton Lienert-Brown commits to NZR until 2026
All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown said there was a sense of unfinished business when he put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until the end of 2026.
Chiefs not panicking after Reds loss
Losing 22-25 to the Reds may have been a surprise, but earlier success meant the Chiefs still have a buffer at the top of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition heading into their last three regular season games.
Blackwash In Toulouse
It was a black out in Toulouse with both the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens taking out their respective tournaments.
Round 12 Wrap: Australian teams make moves
A first loss for the Chiefs at the hands of the Queensland Reds and a win to the Crusaders over the Blues has resulted in four teams each from New Zealand and Australia making the top eight with three rounds before the playoffs of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
All Black Sevens one win away from World Series Title
The All Blacks Sevens are one win away from winning the HSBC World Sevens series for the 14th time after reaching the semi-finals of the Toulouse Sevens.

Remembering the 'Prince of Centres' Bruce Robertson
Bruce Robertson, who died on Friday, May 12, aged 71, was one of the finest centres to have played for the All Blacks.
Black Ferns Sevens in Seventh Heaven, but still work to do
The Black Ferns Sevens are World Series champions for the seventh time and for the first time since 2020 after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Toulouse Sevens.
Hurricanes taking no chances against Moana Pasifika
Moana Pasifika may be trailing the field in DHL Super Rugby Pacific, but the Hurricanes are taking no chances for their game in Wellington on Saturday.
Blues head south with confidence ahead of Crusaders clash
Sixteen losses in 17 games for the Blues against the Crusaders belies the intensity that always surrounds their games, and they face another tight contest in DHL Super Rugby Pacific action on Saturday in Christchurch.
Carter keen to get the job done for All Black Sevens
In 2021 and 2022 the All Blacks Sevens were so close yet so far from world series success. 
Blues reshuffle line-up for Crusaders clash
Loose-forward Akira Ioane lines up to play his 100th Blues match this Saturday against the Crusaders in Christchurch as the Super Rugby Pacific playoff race starts to intensify.
Fainga’anuku and Jager mark 50 Games in Blues Showdown
The Crusaders have named their side to face the Blues in Christchurch in Round 12 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.

Frizell named at lock for Highlanders
A refreshed Highlanders side travels to Canberra to take on the top Australian team, the Brumbies.

Hurricanes named to play Moana Pasifika
Super Rugby returns to Sky Stadium this Saturday afternoon as the Hurricanes take on Moana Pasifika in Round 12 of the DHL Super Rugby competition.