Crusaders roll out regulars for Force clash

Wed, Jun 20, 2018, 10:40 PM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips

They may be without their All Blacks but the Crusaders have otherwise named a team full of familiar faces for their clash with the Force.

Israel Dagg, Wyatt Crockett, George Bridge, Seta Tamanivalu and Manasa Mataele headline a starting XV which will be skippered by halfback Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt his halves partner.

Michael Alaalatoa and Dagg will be Drummond's deputies, leading a squad which holds two potential debutants on the pine, too.George Bridge is one of several Crusaders stars that will start against the Force. Photo: Getty ImagesThe reigning Super Rugby champions will be the Force's toughest World Series Rugby test yet, having dropped their first game of the year to the Rebels a fortnight ago.

Prior to the loss to Melbourne they started the series in style, easily accounting for Fiji and Tonga.

TEAM

Crusaders team to face the Force

1. Wyatt Crockett

2. Andrew Makalio

3. Michael Alaalatoa (VC)

4. Quinten Strange

5. Mitchell Dunshea

6. Ethan Blackadder

7. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis

8. Whetu Douglas

9. Mitchell Drummond (C)

10. Mitchell Hunt

11. George Bridge

12. Rameka Poihipi

13. Seta Tamanivalu

14. Manasa Mataele

15. Israel Dagg (VC)

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister

17. Donald Brighouse

18. Chris King

19. Hamish Dalzell

20. Hugh Renton

21. Bryn Hall

22. Mike Delany

23. Sam Beard

24. Tima Faingaanuku

25. Caleb Makene

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