In Fiji:

March 7, 2024, 2:37 pm
Fiji News, Rugby

Crusaders name three debutants for Drua clash in Fiji

Irfaan Khan
| [email protected]
Story By:

The Crusaders have named three debutants on their bench as they look to get their season back on track against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday. 

Flanker Tahlor Cahill, outside back Jone Rova and first five-eighth Riley Hohepa have all been named on the bench to debut in Fiji. 

The Crusaders have kept their forward pack in tact from the 37-24 defeat to the Waratahs as openside Tom Christie prepares for his 50th game for the club. George Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell pack down in the front row while Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, and Seb Calder deputise on the bench. 

Quinten Strange and Scott Barrett start in the second row with impressive lock Jamie Hannah the bench cover. Dom Gardiner, Christie and Cullen Grace form the back row with debutant Tahlor Cahill named in the No 20 jersey. 

There are two changes to the backline with veteran Willi Heinz getting the start at halfback over Noah Hotham, who drops out of the game day squad.  

Heinz will partner Taha Kemara in the halves who will start at first five-eighth for the second straight week. 

David Havili and Levi Aumua form the midfield once again while Manasa Mataele has been named on the left wing with Macca Springer dropping out of the squad.

Sevu Reece has been named on the right with Chay Fihaki at No 15. 

The Crusaders and the Fijian Drua match will kick-off at 1:05pm in Lautoka.