All Blacks enforcer Tamaiti Williams will start for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on Saturday, with the front-rower named to face the Chiefs after missing last week’s semi-final showdown with the Blues.
Williams had scored a try against the Queensland Reds in the Crusaders’ qualifying final earlier this month before leaving the field in the 34th minute with a knee injury. The prop was sidelined with meniscal irritation but is back in time for the big one at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Coach Rob Penney has only made the one change to the forward pack, with Williams replacing George Bower in the run-on side. Williams will pack down alongside vice-captain Codie Taylor and in-form front-rower Fletcher Newell.
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett joins Antonio Shalfoon in the second row. Ethan Blackadder has been retained at blindside flanker, with Tom Christie at openside, and Christian Lio-Willie rounding out the starting pack as the No. 8.
“Tamaiti is ready to go, he was on the cusp of being ready last week but it’s the blessing of having a great squad,” Penney said.
“George Bower has done an amazing job and he’s unlucky not to be starting but Tamaiti has got himself back into selection and he’s going to get the opportunity.”
In the backs, Chay Fihaki has been ruled out of the Grand Final, which has opened the door for Macca Springer to start on the left wing. Springer hasn’t played since the second-last round of the regular season, but will now look to help the Crusaders win yet another Super Rugby title.
Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana will combine in the halves, while captain David Havili will link up with Braydon Ennor in the midfield. The last name on the starting team sheet is one of the most important, with Will Jordan set to start opposite Shaun Stevenson at fullback.
“History is history, it is what it is and we’re not even thinking about that, we’re just thinking about the contest ahead of us which is really exciting,” Penney added.
“We’re at home in front of our people and it’s going to be such a magic occasion.”
On the bench, George Bell, George Bower and Seb Calder provide cover in the front-row. Jamie Hannah and Cullen Grace will also look to make a mark as the replacements in the pack, while Kyle Preston, James O’Connor and Dallas McLeod are the three backs.
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
Crusaders team for Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final
1. Tamaiti Williams
2. (VC) Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. (VC) Ethan Blackadder
7. Tom Christie
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Macca Springer
12. (C) David Havili
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. (VC) Will Jordan
Replacements
16. George Bell
17. George Bower
18. Seb Calder
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Cullen Grace
21. Kyle Preston
22. James O’Connor
23. Dallas McLeod
