George Bridge and Codie Taylor have been included in the Crusaders’ starting lineup for their match against the Lions in Christchurch on Friday.
The Crusaders had a bye week in round 10, but coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the team that started in round nine.
In the backline, George Bridge is back from injury and starts on the left wing. Sevu Reece moves from left to right wing in place of Braydon Ennor, who shifts to outside centre at the expense of Jack Goodhue. Mitchell Drummond takes over from Bryn Hall at scrumhalf.
Up front, Bill Harmon comes in at openside flank in the absence of Matt Todd, Quinten Strange starts at No 4 lock in place of Scott Barrett, and hooker Codie Taylor is back in the run-on XV after an injury layoff.
Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Whetu Douglas, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Ngane Punivai.
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
