Crusaders favourite to win against Highlanders as both teams field replacement players
Crusaders will host Highlanders, as the both sides meet with each for the 20th time on Saturday April 23, 2011 at AMI Park, Nelson.
This is the second time that the both teams will be playing against each other in the Super XV competition with Crusaders wining the earlier contest comfortably with final scorecard reading 44 – 13. Crusaders are currently at the second place while Highlanders
at 5th place on the combined Super XV table.
Due to number of injuries, both teams will be playing their second string lines. Crusaders will be without the services of their star Fly Half Dan Carter who has not recovered from the hamstring injury that he sustained during Crusaders round 06 matches
against the Sharks.
Richie McCaw again sustained injury to his right foot and would not be available for Saturday’s encounter. McCaw played his first match of the season as he took the field during the second half of the match against the Chiefs during last weekend. Crusaders
stand in Captain Kieran Read is also not included for the game against the Highlanders.
Read was named in place of the injured Richie McCaw. Read is replaced by Joe Wheelar at Number 8, Wheelar is playing his first game in the season after recovering from the shoulder injury that he sustained during last year. Fly Half Matt Berquist has retained
his place in the side meanwhile Andy Ellis will start at Half Back position by replacing Kahn Fotuali’i. Crusaders have opted to rest Sonny Bill Williams and Sean Maitland, with Adam Whitelock and Tom Marshall named as their replacements. Loose head prop Wyatt
Crockett will take the field in Ben Franks and Hooker Cory Flynn comes in for Quentin.
Like Crusaders, Highlanders too have made number of changes; some are forced ones while others simply are rest.
Highlanders have rested their Hooker Jason Rutledge as Mo Schwalger play as hooker during the weekend’s encounter. Colin Slade with his broken jaw will not take part in the match and Tony Brown replacing him to take the field.
Adam Thompson and Alando Soakai will also miss the match as both sustained haematoma and shoulder injury respectively. Kade Poki failed to recover from his Knee injury and makes way James Paterson in the starting lineup. Matt Saunders, Tim Boys, and Sean
Romans will start at the bench for the Highlanders.
Out of the 19 games both team have played with each other so far, Crusaders have won 13. However, in their last five matches Highlanders have won two games consecutively in 2008 and 2009.
Crusaders with their recent form are expected to improve their overall record against the Highlanders by winning the game with a bonus point. A comprehensive victory with a bonus point would again leave Reds to work hard to sustain their position at the
top of the table.
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