Crusaders name unchanged matchday squad for Chiefs encounter

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged matchday squad for the third round of the Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against Chiefs to be played at Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday.

With Scott Barrett ruled out of the tournament with an injury, Codie Taylor will continue to lead the side and will be assisted by Whetu Douglas and David Havili. The squad also possess the experience of Sam Whitelock

“We know the nature of the competition, it is a sprint, it’s short, sharp,” he said.

“It’s really important to get off to a good start and that’s what we’ve done with the team that played well last week and [we’ve] rewarded them.”

Crusaders starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Joe Moody

Reserves: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 David Havili, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku