A long awaited debut and a major positional switch headline the Crusaders side to take on the Reds as they search back to back wins for the first time this Super Rugby season
A long awaited debut and a major positional switch headline the Crusaders side to take on the Reds as they search back to back wins for the first time this Super Rugby season
1 May 2024
Wales test centurion Leigh Halfpenny will start at fullback after suffering a serious chest injury in preseason.
David Havili moves from the bench to wear the 10 jersey - a move encouraged by All Blacks management.
Coach Rob Penney says he had no hesitation slotting Halfpenny straight in to the starting side.
Codie Taylor is another week away from his first action of the season.
The Hurricanes are missing their three contracted hookers through injury, meaning a surprise start for former Hawke's Bay hooker Kianu Kereru-Symes in Friday night's clash against the Waratahs.
The Blues are still missing three big guns for Friday's showdown with the Rebels in Melbourne.
Halfback Finlay Christie and first-five Stephen Perofeta are out injured, while flanker Akira Ioane is on paternity leave.
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