Fiji-born prop George Bower and winger Sevu Reece have retained their place in the Crusaders starting team to face the Waratahs in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific in Melbourne on Saturday.
After suffering a loss to the Chiefs last Friday, the Rob Penny coached side will be out to make amends with the two Fijians adding their experience and flair.
Early talk of a departure of talent from the Crusaders this season can be put to bed as five of six front rowers have worn the black jersey at some point, and the sixth has caps for Munster.
The Georges; Bower and Bell, square up alongside Fletcher Newell at the front.
Veterans Joe Moody and Owen Franks join Quentin MacDonald on the bench to bring fresh legs to the front row when required.
Scott Barrett captains his squad, joined by locks Quinten Strange and Dom Gardiner, and loose forwards Tom Christie and Cullen Grace to round out the pack.
Jamie Hannah and Christian Lio-Willie sit sideline, chomping at the bit for minutes.
Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara have been playing together since Year 7 at school, so expect some playmaking chemistry from your starting 9 and 10.
Expect some magic on the wings with Macca Springer and Reece on the left and right.
Reece continues his comeback while Macca seeks to prove himself once again – he’s not even 21 yet.
Levi Aumua and the returning David Havili are set to dominate in the midfield.
Chay Fihaki at fullback is filled with confidence after touching down twice versus the Chiefs last week and being named Bayley’s Man of the Match.
Mitch Drummond will relieve Hotham when the time’s right.
Ryan Crotty and Dallas McLeod sit in the wings, one a 150+ cap Crusader, the other a 2023 All Blacks bolter.
The match kicks off at 8.35pm.
