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The Crusaders host the Reds in what appears to be a heavy contest when they clash at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. Join The Roar from 5:30pm for live scores and commentary.
History has made this a tough contest for the Reds having lost previous four matches to the Crusaders.
The Crusaders are sitting in second behind the Chiefs and will be out to enforce their dominance in a highly contested and tight New Zealand conference by chalking up a win against a relatively easy Reds team.
Coach Todd Blackadder has shown confidence in regulating several starting All-Blacks to the bench in order to test his squad. Mitch Drummond takes over for Andy Ellis at scrumhalf while young flyer Jone Macilai-Tori comes in for the suspended Nemani Nadolo. Ryan Crotty joins the four more All-Blacks on the bench.
The Crusaders have lost just one game this season. Boasting an experienced forward pack with Codie Taylor at hooker, Sam Whitelock coming back in at lock and the ever-reliable trio of Keiran Read, Matt Todd and Jordan Taufua in the back row.
The Reds, placed fourth in the Australian conference, are on the road to redemption having won an expansive game of rugby against the Cheetahs, a positive following a long and winless tour of South Africa.
The confidence is building however this will be a mammoth challenge defeating a very strong and experienced Crusaders team, yet a prime time to build on last week’s display of open running rugby and get another win over a New Zealand team.
A broken hand to future Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has made way for 19 year-old Campbell Magnay. Interim coach Matt O’Connor has stated Magnay ‘lives for contact’ and will be looking to break the advantage line.
Lock Ben Matwijow comes in for Caderyn Neville.
Ayumu Goromaru has been notably dropped from the game-day 23. Goromaru has struggled to see game time behind the in-form Karmichael Hunt at fullback.
Keep an eye on Nick Frisby who has been sighted as potentially wearing a Wallabies jersey in June. Playing behind a solid set piece has allowed him to better his decision making with four tries, increased support play and a late tactical kicking game.
Israel Dagg is hitting fine form and will be looking for the ball from a Crusaders team known for their offloads and ability to keep the play alive. Look for Ryan Crotty to come on early in the second half to challenge the Reds defensive line and get a try.
If the Reds are to beat the Crusaders it must be at the breakdown and scrum against an All-Black front row. It is critical the Reds take points when on offer through the boot of flyhalf Jake McIntyre to keep in touch with what will be a ruthless Crusaders team desperate to continue their winning streak.
Without Kerevi, the Reds will struggle to any breaks and while their set piece play has been good the Crusaders tight five has been very impressive. I can’t see the Crusaders allowing the Reds to run an expansive game through the likes of their speedy outside backs.
Crusaders by 14
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.