Super Rugby Pacific preview: Crusaders face internal challenge to remain top dogs
The Super Rugby Pacific champions Crusaders are aiming to keep their winning streak going. Head coach Scott Robertson knows the team has a lot of pressure on them. The team is 71-3-9 since 2017, winning three Super rugby titles and a pair of Superrugby Aotearoa crowns. They lost Tom Christie to a serious injury. They have 13 All Blacks at their disposal and Argentine recruit Pablo Matera. Richie Mo'unga is on extended leave. Jack Goodhue won't complete his rehab from a knee injury until April. He will be replaced by Richie. Their breakdown problems plagued them last year.
CRUSADERS 2022 Squad: Hookers Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Shilo Klein, Joe Moody, Oli Jager, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Zach Gallagher, Pablo Matera (Argentina), Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, Bryn Hall, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Richie Mo’unga and Kini Naholo. First fives: Richie Hickey, Simon Hiccrafter, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Isaiah Punivai, Dallas McLeod. Second fivers: Chay Fihaki,
Isileli Tuungafasi, Andrew Makalio, Michael Alaalatoa, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Sanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Manasa Mataele, Luke Romano and Josh McKay are on the move.
