Crusaders name unchanged matchday squad for semi-final clash against Hurricanes

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged matchday 23 squad for the upcoming semi-final Super Rugby clash against Hurricanes to be played at Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday.

Loose forward Jordan Taufua is set to reach the milestone of 100th appearance for the club when he comes off the bench while Tim Perry continues to remain on the sidelines with an injury.

“We’ve really enjoyed this week, the group came in excited to have earned another opportunity to play at home, and we’ve prepared accordingly for this quality Hurricanes side," said Robertson.

“They’re well-coached, with genuine attacking threats across the park, so we know there is a massive challenge ahead of us this weekend.

“We’re also really proud of Jordan, who’ll become the 18th Crusader to play 100 games for the club. He’s been a loyal Crusader for a number of years now and sharing this milestone with him on Saturday night will certainly add to the occasion for our squad, and our fans.

“The game has been well supported, and we’re going to need every single one of our fans to get behind this team on Saturday night – we look forward to seeing them there in numbers!”

Crusaders XV: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetu Douglas, Samuel Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Replacements: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor