Crusaders when they face Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm, 7th April

New Zealander fly-half The Crusaders’ match against Moana Pasifika on Friday will mark Richie Mo’unga’s 100th appearance for the team.

At Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch, hooker Codie Taylor will lead the Crusaders against Moana Pasifika on Friday. In Scott Barrett’s absence, who will finally be enjoying an All Blacks rest week, Taylor will captain the team.

Quinten Strange returns with Dom Gardiner in the second row as their supply of locking weapons runs low.

Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders
Friday 7th April, 7:05pm NZT
Orangetheory Stadium

Read More : New Zealand Rugby Fixtures

Youngster Noah Hotham, who is removed from the matchday squad to make room for seasoned Willi Heinz on the bench, has been replaced at halfback by Mitchell Drummond.

Drummond will play halves with Richie Mo’unga, who will play his 100th Super Rugby match for the Crusaders.

In the meantime, Jack Goodhue has shifted to center to accompany the in-form Leicester Fainga’anuku in the midfield.

Crusaders v Moana Pasifika in Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific 2023

Power athletes like Moana can be deadly when they perform well. Tamati Ellison has been very clear about what we need to accomplish defensively, so by being well-prepared, we’ll be treating them with the respect they merit.

A week after scoring his first-ever Super Rugby try against the Reds the previous week, Dom Gardiner, along with Quentin Strange, are back in the lock position.

Wil Gualter receives his first start, and Corey Kellow, who is in his second season with the team, receives his first start. Fergus Burke is still a formidable fullback.

With Melani Nanai being named in a Crusaders team for the first time, another rookie is poised to make his impact.

Power athletes like Moana can be deadly when they perform well. Tamati Ellison has been very clear about what we need to accomplish defensively, so by being well-prepared, we’ll be treating them with the respect they merit.

A week after scoring his first-ever Super Rugby try against the Reds the previous week, Dom Gardiner, along with Quentin Strange, are back in the lock position.

Wil Gualter receives his first start, and Corey Kellow, who is in his second season with the team, receives his first start. Fergus Burke is still a formidable fullback.

With Melani Nanai being named in a Crusaders team for the first time, another rookie is poised to make his impact.

Read More :: All Blacks vs Wallabies Rugby

Crusaders Team: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Tamaiti Williams, 4-Quinten Strange, 5-Dom Gardiner, 6-Sione Talitui, 7-Corey Kellow, 8-Christian Lio-Willie, 9-Mitchell Drummond, 10-Richie Mo’unga, 11-Macca Springer, 12-Jack Goodhue, 13-Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14-Will Gualter, 15-Fergus Burke

Reserves: 16-Brodie McAlister, 17-Finlay Brewis, 18-Seb Calder, 19-Jamie Hannah, 20-Tom Christie, 21-Willi Heinz, 22-David Havili, 23-Melani Nanai

source https://thedailyrugby.com/crusaders-face-moana-pasifika-at-7th-april/