Macca’s back in the frame

After being relegated to the Crusaders development side at the start of the season, Macca Springer is finally back in the top team for Sunday’s match against the Western Force in Christchurch.

Following a quiet NPC campaign, the Tasman Mako winger had looked sharp in the pre-season games for the Crusaders but was overlooked in favour of Chay Fihaki.

Now the 21-year-old has been elevated to replace him in the starting side for round five.

Macca, a Waimea College product, made his Crusaders debut in 2023 and has scored eight tries in 18 matches.

Vice-captain Ethan Blackadder has dropped to the reserves with the vastly experienced Tom Christie also promoted from the development side to start on the openside flank.

Nine test All Black Braydon Ennor also returns to the midfield for the first time this season, keeping Mako centre Levi Aumua on the bench.

Hard-working Tasman Mako lock Antonio Shalfoon keeps his starting spot as his provincial captain Quinten Strange works his way back from pectoral and hamstring injuries.

The David Havili-captained Crusaders are fourth on the ladder, five points adrift of the Chiefs.