Crusaders coach Rob Penney's confirmed David Havili's switch to first-five has been backed by All Blacks management and is far from a stop-gap measure
Crusaders coach Rob Penney's confirmed David Havili's switch to first-five has been backed by All Blacks management and is far from a stop-gap measure
1 May 2024
The 27-test All Black will wear the 10 jersey for just the second time in his Super Rugby career against the Reds in Christchurch on Saturday.
Penney says while Fergus Burke is close to a return from injury - they need stability in the position.
Wales test centurion Leigh Halfpenny will make his Crusaders debut at fullback.
Saturday's clash with Moana Pasifika in Tonga will be an emotional time for two Highlanders named in the starting line-up.
It will be the first time halfback Folau Fakatava and prop Saula Ma'u have played professionally in their home country after immigrating to New Zealand in their mid-teens and - for Ma'u - only the second time his parents have watched him play professionally.
A one-game Highlander will debut for the Blues in Melbourne this Friday, with prop PJ Sheck starting at tight-head.
TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett have dropped to the Hurricanes bench for Friday night's contest against the Waratahs, while skipper Brad Shields is being rested.
No 8 Luke Jacobson is being eased back into the Chiefs squad from the bench against the Force on Saturday, with fullback Shaun Stevenson out through injury.
SUPER RUGBY COVERAGE WITH HABIT HEALTH. TACKLING ALL YOUR ACHES AND PAINS FROM SPORT AND WORK.
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