Seven-time Tremendous Rugby champion Mitch Drummond has been named to begin his first recreation of the season in what would be the veteran’s a hundred and fiftieth look in crimson and black.
The milestone will are available a southern derby towards the Highlanders in Christchurch, a becoming method for the Nelson-born product to hitch an unique membership.
“When the group was named, the boys actually bought round me. It’s been a particular week up to now, and I’m actually trying ahead to Friday,” mentioned Drummond.
“150 video games was a purpose I set myself firstly of the 12 months, and I knew it was reachable.”
Crusaders coach Rob Penney was delighted to pick out Drummond for the event.
“He’s group first, his work ethic is second to none, and his skill to get folks linked is admirable. It’s an honour and a privilege to supply the chance for him to get out in entrance of his household and the followers and play his 150th recreation,” Penney mentioned.
“It’s a novel membership he’s in – 100 provincial video games and 150 Crusader caps, he deserves all of the accolades that might be piled onto him over the subsequent few days.”
The group listing exterior Drummond sees All Black prop Tamaiti Williams shift to the opposite aspect of the scrum in Fletcher Newell’s absence, whereas Jamie Hannah steps into the beginning XV for Antonio Shalfoon.
Macca Springer has an opportunity to additional his effective type on the left wing, whereas Braydon Ennor stays at centre after one other injury-plagued season so far.
A possible debut off the bench may come for Lewis Ponini, with the previous Waratah prop named within the No. 17 jersey. One-time All Black Dallas McLeod can convey up his fiftieth Crusaders look off the bench.
Crusaders group to play the Highlanders
- George Bower
- (VC) Codie Taylor
- Tamaiti Williams
- Scott Barrett
- Jamie Hannah
- Cullen Grace
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Mitch Drummond (150th recreation)
- Rivez Reihana
- Macca Springer
- (C) David Havili
- Braydon Ennor
- Sevu Reece
- Johnny McNicholl
Reserves
- George Bell
- Lewis Ponini (debut)
- Seb Calder
- Quinten Unusual
- Corey Kellow
- Kyle Preston
- James O’Connor
- Dallas McLeod (50th recreation)
Damage standing
Fletcher NEWELL Achilles
1-2 weeks
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN Neck
1-2 weeks
Ethan BLACKADDER Hamstring
2 weeks
Xavier SAIFOLOI Knee (medial ligament)
2 weeks
Will JORDAN Knee (medial ligament)
2-3 weeks
Finlay BREWIS Shoulder (surgical procedure)
Out for the season
Taha Kemara Knee (surgical procedure)
Out for the season
Dom GARDINER Foot (surgical procedure)
Out for the season
