Crusaders reveal team for semifinal against 'Canes
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his team to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday.
Robertson has named an unchanged side from the team that took the field in their 38-14 quarterfinal victory over the Highlanders.
The match day side includes 27-year old loose forward Jordan Taufua, who has been named on the bench for this game in what will be his 100th appearance for the Crusaders.
Tim Perry, who was ruled out of last week's quarterfinal, is once again unavailable for this match due to an arm injury.
"We are 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!" Robertson said.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua*, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor.
Date: Saturday, June 29
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Nicholas Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)