Mako players provide bulk of Crusaders’ starting line up

Tasman Mako players dominate the first Crusaders’ starting line-up of the new Super Rugby Pacific season.

There are more Tasman Mako players than those from Canterbury in the home side’s initial run-on XV for their opening match against the Hurricanes on Friday night in Christchurch. It is thought this is a first for the country’s youngest union.

Six Mako players have been given starting berths. New skipper David Havili, plus his vice-captains Ethan Blackadder and Will Jordan, have been joined by lock Antonio Shalfoon, halfback Noah Hotham and centre Levi Aumua.

Canterbury supplies just four starters – props Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell, loosie Cullen Grace and right winger Chay Fihaki.

Mako prop Sam Matenga has been named on the bench after the front row crisis which saw fellow Mako Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Finlay Brewis and Seb Calder injured in the two warm-up matches.

Twenty-six-year-old Sam, who was in the wider training group, is poised to finally get a run in Super Rugby. The Kahurangi club player had been playing for the Seattle Seawolves in the American league for the past three seasons but returned home to bring up 50 games for the Mako last year.

Although he is back in training, Quinten Strange wasn’t selected in the 23 as he continues his recovery from a shoulder dislocation five months ago.

Wing Macca Springer also missed out despite impressing in his limited pre-season opportunities.

The starting XV is: Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili(c), Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.

Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.