Mako players provide the bulk of Crusaders starting line up
Tasman Mako centre Levi Aumua, seen here playing against Wellington last year, has won a starting spot for the Crusaders. Photo: Anthony Phelps.
There are more Tasman Mako players than those from Canterbury in the Crusaders starting XV named today to face the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific opener on Friday night in Christchurch.
New Skipper David Havili and his vice-captains Ethan Blackadder and Will Jordan have been joined by lock Antonio Shalfoon, halfback Noah Hotham and centre Levi Aumua.
Levi replaces Dallas McLeod in the only change to the side that ran out against the Highlanders in Invercargill last week
Canterbury supplies just five starters.
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.
26-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 his 50 games for the Mako last year.
Sam wasn’t even in the 29 man squad for the final trial match.
While 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.