Photo: LIAM SWIGGS
Crusaders v Reds
Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 6 June
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Are the Crusaders back? It certainly seems that way as we head into week one of the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs, with the perennial champions ending the regular season just one win off top spot. It means they host this match and go in with not only that advantage, but the return of a big name and the relief of last weekend's very tight result against the Brumbies.
Meanwhile, the Reds finished their regular season with a big win over the Drua, which they will hope has them trending upwards after some rather inclement form over the last few weeks.
Team lists
Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod
Reds: 1. Sef Fa'agase, 2. Richie Asiata, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Ryan Smith, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Tom Lynagh, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. John Bryant, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Dre Pakeho, 23. Tim Ryan
Crusaders selections
Will Jordan. Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress
Will Jordan is back from injury and goes straight in at fullback, with the only other change to the backline seeing skipper David Havili return as well at second five. Four out of the starting tight five are All Blacks, with the in form Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose forwards.
Reds selections
Harry Wilson in action during the Super Rugby Pacific Round two match between the Hurricanes and the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Photo: Photosport
A big boost for the Reds during the wee with Harry Wilson passed fit to play after an arm injury forced him from the field against the Drua. The only change to that side sees Filipo Daugunu come onto the wing with Tim Ryan dropping to the bench.
Key stats
Tom Lynagh of the Reds charges forward during the round six Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on 22 March 2025, in Dunedin. Photo: Joe Allison / Getty Images
The Crusaders have won 13 of their last 14 Super Rugby Pacific games against the Reds.
The Reds have lost 12 of their last 18 away games in Super Rugby Pacific including three of their last four and have lost 25 of their last 28 games in New Zealand.
Reds first five Tom Lynagh has kicked 87 percent of his 47 goal attempts this Super Rugby Pacific season, the highest success rate of any player to make more than one attempt and has been successful with both of his two penalty goal attempts.
What they're saying
"The boys have appreciated the extra week that you earn. It's on us to go out there and earn another week. This time of year is when you want to be playing. There's a huge amount of excitement being at home for it. Having the home advantage is great for us." - Crusaders fullback Will Jordan.
"Winning in Christchurch last year was an important game for the club. It gives us clues and confidence to put our best foot forward on Friday. In finals footy, playing to the 80th minute is very important. We've done that well over the past four weeks or so." - Reds coach Les Kiss.
The last time they met
Crusaders 43 - 19 Reds
This round four match marked the first sign that the Crusaders had shaken off whatever had been plaguing them last season, with a comfortable win over what was at the time a very impressive Reds side. This one was over at halftime, with Jordan and Sevu Reece scoring first half doubles.
What's going to happen
It's a real stretch to see the Reds pulling off an upset here, they would need a lot of things to go their way and are up against a hostile Christchurch crowd as well as a confident home team. Expect Jordan to be heavily involved in the backline, as well as Reece in and around the ruck. If the Reds are to have any chance, it'll be by establishing a lead early and then clinging on.
