Crusaders Confirm Shock Lineup Changes for Super Rugby Pacific Round 11 at New Home Stadium

Crusaders have confirmed a significant tactical shift for their Super Round opener against the NSW Waratahs at Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium, naming All Blacks midfielder Leicester Fainga’anuku to start at blindside flanker (number 7) in a move that has surprised observers across Super Rugby Pacific.

The decision represents a notable change from Fainga’anuku’s usual position in the midfield, where he has earned All Blacks honours as a centre or wing. Crusaders coach Rob Penney explained the selection as part of the team’s preparation for the historic first match at the newly opened stadium, which will host multiple Super Rugby Pacific fixtures over the weekend.

The Crusaders’ starting XV for the match against the Waratahs will be: Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (captain), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, and Johnny McNicholl. Replacements named are George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, and Dallas McLeod.

For the Waratahs, the confirmed team is: Isaac Kailea, Folau Fainga’a, Siosifa Amone, Matt Philip (captain), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, and Max Jorgensen. Their replacements are Ioane Moananu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, and Triston Reilly.

The match will be officiated by referee Nic Berry, with assistant referees Ben O’Keeffe and Damon Murphy, and TMO Brett Cronan. The Crusaders will look to build on their pre-season form as they aim to defend their Super Rugby Pacific title, beginning their campaign at the venue that will become their new home ground.

Super Round continues on ANZAC Day with the Hurricanes facing the ACT Brumbies, followed by the Blues versus the Reds. The weekend concludes with the Highlanders hosting Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs taking on the Fijian Drua, while the Western Force enjoy a bye in Perth.