Minor changes to Crusaders team for Hurricanes clash

Cape Town - Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named his team for Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes in Christchurch.

Robertson has made just one change to the starting XV that beat the Blues in Auckland last week - centre Jack Goodhue has recovered from a minor groin injury and joins the team this week, while Braydon Ennor moves to the bench.

The only other change in the match-day squad sees 21-year-old prop Harry Allan replace Tim Perry on the bench. Perry left the field against the Blues with a fractured forearm.

"We are fortunate to have some talented young players coming through, and we're excited to give them an opportunity to play at this level," Robertson told the Crusaders' official website.

"Braydon was exceptional for us in the midfield last week, and now Harry Allan gets another chance to play Super Rugby early in the season. We wish Tim all the best with his recovery and look forward to a huge contest on Saturday night."

Saturday’s clash is scheduled for 08:35 (SA time).

Teams:

Crusaders

15 David Havili, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Vince Aso, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Chris Eves

Substotutes: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Ben May, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Sam Henwood, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Ngani Laumape