2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

Transcription

1 2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2 SCOTT ROBERTSON Head Coach Former Crusaders, Canterbury and All Blacks loose forward Scott Robertson returns in 2018 to lead the BNZ Crusaders for the second time after leading them to their 2017 Super Rugby title. Robertson was the Head Coach of the Canterbury national provincial team from , guiding the team to three Premiership titles in that role. He also assisted the team to five successive titles between 2008 and 2012, first as the Assistant Forwards Coach for four years and then as the Assistant Coach in He has also enjoyed success as Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 20 team, claiming victory at the 2015 Under 20 World Championship. Prior to that he was the forwards coach in Robertson is highly regarded as a great communicator and strategist who helps players to thrive under his leadership. BRAD MOOAR Assistant Coach Brad Mooar returns for his third year with the BNZ Crusaders in 2018, filling the Assistant Coach role. Prior to the Crusaders, Mooar was Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Rugby Southland. His coaching career began with the Christchurch Rugby Club Colts team in 2007, and he progressed onto the Club s premier team before becoming the Assistant Coach of the Canterbury Colts in In 2012 he moved to South Africa to coach the Eastern Province Kings to a Currie Cup Division 1 title, then become Assistant Coach of the Southern Kings Super Rugby side under Matt Sexton s leadership. He returned to New Zealand at the end of that season to take the Southland role. Mooar also brings valuable off-field experience as a former solicitor to the role, and provides inspirational leadership and excellent management skills. JASON RYAN Assistant Forwards Coach Jason Ryan is back for his second season as Assistant Forwards Coach for the BNZ Crusaders in Super Rugby for He brings a great skill set to the team particularly with his experience as a scrum coach. Ryan has been working with the forwards in the Canterbury provincial team for the last five years, initially as a Scrum Coach and then as an Assistant Coach in 2015 and He also has national experience as the Scrum Coach for the Black Ferns in 2014, and New Zealand Under 20 team for the last three seasons. Ryan is known in New Zealand rugby circles as an expert on scrums, and set up the Front Row Club in 2013, a coaching programme focused on safe development of props and hookers. ASSISTANT BACKS COACH TBC 2 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

3 MICHAEL ALA ALATOA SCOTT BARRETT DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 132kg POSITION: Prop DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 1.97m, 116kg SUPER GAMES: 34 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Reds (Waratahs) at Brisbane 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Counties Manukau at Pukekohe SUPER GAMES: 35 SUPER POINTS: 25 (5t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Christchurch TEST CAPS 14 TEST POINTS 10 (2t) TEST DEBUT 2016 v Ireland at Chicago COACHES SAY: 2018 will be Mike s third season with the BNZ Crusaders, and it s been pleasing to see his development throughout that time. Mike worked hard and grew all aspects of his game during the 2017 season. He s developing his confidence and leadership all the time, and we re sure his best rugby is yet to come. COACHES SAY: Scott is another world class lock in our squad; he s athletic and always seeks to improve his game. He s a ranging second-rower who is strong with ball in hand and is growing in international experience as part of the All Blacks squad. He ll be looking forward to another big season. TIM BATEMAN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82, 91kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 78 SUPER POINTS: 45 (9t) SUPER DEBUT: 2007 v Lions at Johannesburg PROVINCIAL GAMES: 71 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 140 (28t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v South Canterbury at Timaru GEORGE BRIDGE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 95kg POSITION: Outside back SUPER GAMES: 18 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Brumbies at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Northland at Whangarei COACHES SAY: Tim was voted by the team as Player of the Year in 2017, and this is a true measure of the man. He has a magnificent intellect on and off the field and offers real leadership at a micro level within the back group, but also at a macro level with the leadership and coaching group. Tim brings an intensity and energy which lifts the players around him, and supports our team s culture immensely. COACHES SAY: BNZ Crusaders Rookie of the Year in 2017, George made giant strides in his debut season. His pace and ability to find the try line are big features of his game, but he s always striving to add to his skill set & we ll look to him to take his game to the next level in I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

4 WYATT CROCKETT DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 116kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 187 SUPER POINTS: 50 (10t) SUPER DEBUT: 2006 v Highlanders at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 73 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2005 v Marlborough at Christchurch TEST CAPS 68 TEST POINTS 10 (2t) TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Christchurch COACHES SAY: As the most capped Crusader of all time, Wyatt s value within this group goes without saying. He s both an experienced player and quality team man, which makes him an important leader within the squad, and we can t wait to have him return for the BNZ Crusaders in RYAN CROTTY DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.81m, 96kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 122 SUPER POINTS: 100 (20t) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Hurricanes at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 67 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 75 (15t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Otago at Dunedin TEST CAPS 32 TEST POINTS 40 (8t) TEST DEBUT 2013 v Australia at Sydney COACHES SAY: Reliable, consistent and world-class & Ryan is a pivotal leader in the BNZ Crusaders, and a genuine team man. He s great to coach, a true professional and you are guaranteed 100% effort from him whenever he takes the field. ISRAEL DAGG DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 96kg POSITION: Fullback SUPER GAMES: 108 SUPER POINTS: 268 (34t, 19c, 20p) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Brumbies (Highlanders) at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 50 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 86 (15t, 34c, 1p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Counties Manukau at Napier TEST CAPS 63 TEST POINTS 128 (24t, 1c, 2p) TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland at New Plymouth COACHES SAY: An incredible athlete with a superb skill set and composure under pressure. He ll look to return from injury better than ever in 2018; he s simply one of the best in world rugby. MIKE DELANY DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.76m, 86kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 38 SUPER POINTS: 111 (3t, 12c, 24p) SUPER DEBUT: 2008 v Reds (Highlanders) at Brisbane 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 72 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 588 (8t, 112c, 108p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Wellington at Wellington TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Milan COACHES SAY: Mike brings a wealth of experience in the pivot role. He has played at Super Rugby level in New Zealand and then spent time playing in France, England and Japan, so it s great to get a player of his experience and quality joining our back play in Mike really complements Richie Mo unga and Mitch Hunt, but we know he will also bring competition when it comes to selection time. 4 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 MITCHELL DRUMMOND MITCHELL DUNSHEA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 84kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 114kg POSITION: Halfback POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 45 SUPER POINTS: 55 (11t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Rebels at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 47 (9t, 1c) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu at Christchurch SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Force at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 23 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Otago at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Mitch has brought consistent form through from Super Rugby to the Mitre 10 Cup season with Canterbury. An intelligent and aggressive halfback with a strong attacking mindset, Mitch dotted down a number of times for Canterbury this year, including an impressive four tries against Counties Manukau. COACHES SAY: Mitchell has a massive engine, which is critical in the engine room. He has found his way to the try line on a number of occasions this season for Canterbury, and this shows his ability with ball in hand. He has a good turn of speed for a lock, and this will give the coaching group an additional offensive option. Mitch also has great defensive technique, so we know we can count on this part of his game also. BRAYDON ENNOR OWEN FRANKS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 118kg POSITION: Wing POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER DEBUT: N/A SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER GAMES: 137 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Force at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Otago at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v North Harbour at Christchurch TEST CAPS 92 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Another exciting young player who was part of the World Champion Under 20s team this year, and developed through the Crusaders Academy system. He s really taken the Mitre 10 Cup by storm and shown the potential that we identified in his ability. He s a versatile player who can play any position from second five out, has a strong left foot and genuine speed. COACHES SAY: Owen is working diligently on his rehabilitation from injury and will miss the start of the Super Rugby season. A professional athlete in every sense, his work ethic can t be faulted and his ability at scrum time goes without saying. A determined and powerful defender, we have no doubt Owen will come back fitter, stronger and raring to go in I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

6 BEN FUNNELL DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 109kg POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 74 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Waratahs at Sydney PROVINCIAL GAMES: 77 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 65 (13t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch JACK GOODHUE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 98kg POSITION: Centre SUPER GAMES: 14 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Brumbies at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Waikato (Canterbury) at Hamilton COACHES SAY: Ben will play in his seventh Super Rugby campaign in He s a competitive and physical frontrower, who genuinely cares about the group. Ben has enjoyed plenty of minutes for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup and will look for continuity in to next season as his game just continues to grow. COACHES SAY: Jack had an exceptional 2017, with a sublime Super Rugby season for the BNZ Crusaders, followed by an outstanding campaign with Northland. He has topped this with selection in the All Blacks, so we look forward to him bringing this experience back to the Crusaders in 2018 where we know he will raise the bar yet again. Jack is a pillar on defence, and brings some real x-factor on attack. BRYN HALL BILLY HARMON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 94kg POSITION: Halfback DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 104kg SUPER GAMES: 49 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Crusaders (Blues) at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour PROVINCIAL GAMES: 55 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 62 (7t, 6c, 5p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Waikato at Albany SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Auckland at Christchurch COACHES SAY: We re excited to have Bryn back with the BNZ Crusaders in He s a fierce competitor and brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the group. Bryn was unlucky to be injured late in the Mitre 10 Cup season for North Harbour, but we look forward to his return in Super Rugby next year. COACHES SAY: Another player who has progressed through the Canterbury system and Crusaders Academy. Billy has had a great Mitre 10 Cup season with Canterbury; he s a true No. 7 who is always near the loose ball. His running and linking game is exceptional, and he will be a great foil for the other loose forwards. Billy is a great option as a ball runner, so this will give us additional offensive options. 6 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 DAVID HAVILI MITCHELL HUNT DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 95kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.74m, 80kg POSITION: Second five eighth SUPER GAMES: 42 SUPER POINTS: 60 (12t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Lions at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 31 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 70 (8t, 3c, 8p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Hawke s Bay at Blenheim POSITION: First five eighth/fullback SUPER GAMES: 14 SUPER POINTS: 63 (2t, 15c, 5p, 1d) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Rebels at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 134 (6t, 22c, 20p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland (Auckland) at Invercargill TEST CAPS 3 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2017 v Argentina at Buenos Aires COACHES SAY: Our 2017 BNZ Crusaders Player of the Year had a breakthrough season of Super Rugby, and earned his call up to the All Blacks off the back of that. He s quick and versatile with great attacking flair; a young talent whose game and leadership is going from strength to strength. COACHES SAY: Mitch had a break through season in 2017, and has shown that he is a pressure and big game player. His option taking is excellent, and his ability to kick the goals that really matter is testament to his maturity. Mitch will be really challenging Richie and Mike for the 10 jersey this season, and competition within the group is what any coach wants, to bring out the best in all players. OLIVER JAGER WILL JORDAN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 117kg POSITION: Prop DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Fullback PHYSICAL 1.88m, 91kg SUPER GAMES: 5 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Reds at Brisbane PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Auckland at Christchurch SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Manawatu at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Oli had limited game time for us in 2017 but continues to work hard and stepped up when needed. He has had some great performances for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup this season and we know the opportunities will come for him at tighthead prop in 2018, in the absence of Owen Franks in the competition s early stages. We have a lot of confidence in Oli s ability and look forward to seeing him get stuck in to his work in COACHES SAY: New to the 2018 squad, Will is a very exciting young player; big, strong and fast. We re thrilled he is part of the group for the coming campaign and he will bring some real energy to the back three play. 7 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

8 JONE MACILAI ANDREW MAKALIO DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.77m, 96kg POSITION: Wing DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL 1.82m, 111kg SUPER GAMES: 14 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Reds at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 35 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland at Whangarei SUPER GAMES: 5 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim COACHES SAY: Jone has had a frustrating run with injuries, so we are so pleased as a coaching group to see his form this season for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup. Jone has real explosive speed, but he is also developing his finishing, and has scored some really impressive tries this season. We are looking forward to giving Jone the opportunity to show his ability in a Crusaders jersey this season. COACHES SAY: 2018 will be his second year with the BNZ Crusaders, and we re looking forward to seeing him step up this season and work on that point of difference we know he can provide at hooker. He s been getting good game time for Tasman and will be better for the experience he gained in MANASA MATAELE JOE MOODY DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL 1.85m, 100kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.88m, 112kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 8 SUPER POINTS: 30 (6t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Blues at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 13 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Bay of Plenty at Tauranga SUPER GAMES: 61 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch TEST CAPS 27 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2014 v Australia at Sydney COACHES SAY: Mana was a real find for us in 2017, and he showed his ability when given the opportunity. He is a young player who will only get better with more game time in He has a real desire to learn his trade, and this is a great trait to have for an aspiring Crusader. We are looking for development from Mana, which will be building on his line breaking form and finishing during the 2017 season. COACHES SAY: Joe will miss the first part of the Super Rugby season through injury, but he is determined and already well on the road to recovery, so we have no doubt he ll come back fitter, faster and stronger in He is a superb scrummager and his wrestling background makes him an incredibly strong and physical player. 8 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 RICHIE MO UNGA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.76m, 86 kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 30 SUPER POINTS: 315 (7t, 77c, 42p) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 49 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 327 (10t,86c, 40p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Richie has been building his play over the last few seasons with both Canterbury and the BNZ Crusaders, and is now regarded as one of the best in the country. With an attacking mindset that is willing to challenge the line, or spot the opportunity to move the ball, Richie has really developed an all-round game in the No. 10 jersey. He also has an exceptional general kicking game, and is slotting over 80% from the tee, which is crucial at Super Rugby level. He has spent some time in the All Blacks camp this year and we know he ll be even better for that experience in TIM PERRY DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 118kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 20 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Bulls at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 69 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v South Canterbury (Mid Canterbury) at Ashburton COACHES SAY: Tim will be wanting to press his case for more game time in 2018, and has a great opportunity to do so in the absence of some of our most experienced props. He s a consistently hard worker for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup and has just been named in the All Blacks squad for the first time, for their Northern Tour; so he will join the BNZ Crusaders with a lot more experience next year and we expect to see him keep getting better and better. KIERAN READ DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 109kg SUPER GAMES: 140 SUPER POINTS: 130 (26t) SUPER DEBUT: 2007 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Wairarapa Bush at Christchurch TEST CAPS 106 TEST POINTS 115 (23t) TEST DEBUT 2008 v Scotland at Edinburgh COACHES SAY: Kieran spent the first part of 2017 sidelined with injury, but returned for yet another outstanding Super Rugby season. He s world-class, with a superb understanding of the game and he remains an instrumental figure in the BNZ Crusaders leadership group. LUKE ROMANO DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.99m, 115kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 98 SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Bulls at Timaru SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL GAMES: 29 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Tasman at Christchurch TEST CAPS 29 TEST POINTS 10 (2t) TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Hamilton COACHES SAY: 2017 was one of Luke s best seasons in a BNZ Crusaders jersey. Whether starting, or providing impact off the bench, he made his presence felt and played a pivotal role in our line out defence. Luke is the ultimate team man and will again be an integral part of our squad in I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

10 PETE SAMU TOM SANDERS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 101kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 108kg SUPER GAMES: 19 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Blues at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 39 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 65 (13t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Auckland SUPER GAMES: 18 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 33 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Christchurch COACHES SAY: An explosive athlete, Pete is a powerful loose forward who challenges himself and strives to grow his skill set. It s great to have Pete recommit to the Crusaders for the 2018 season and we look forward to seeing him make his physical presence felt on the field. COACHES SAY: Tom is a tough, uncompromising loose forward who only knows one way & forward. He has a surprising turn of speed and a really good read on the game, which will add to the Crusaders play and pattern during the 80 minutes. It s great to have Tom back in Christchurch after two seasons at the Chiefs. QUINTEN STRANGE JACK STRATTON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.99m, 112kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 6 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Christchurch DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER DEBUT: N/A PHYSICAL 1.85m, 92kg SUPER POINTS: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 15 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim PROVINCIAL GAMES: 23 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Otago at Dunedin COACHES SAY: After his debut Super Rugby season in 2017, Quinten will be looking to continue his form through to next year. He s one of our best trainers and took his opportunities when they arose this year, so we have no doubt he ll make a case for more game time in COACHES SAY: Jack has had an exceptional Mitre 10 Cup season for Canterbury. He has great game management, and really shows experience beyond his years. He has a strong box kick and slick pass, which will provide great service to our offensive line and we know he ll complement fellow halfbacks Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond. 10 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 SETA TAMANIVALU JORDAN TAUFUA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 108kg POSITION: Centre SUPER GAMES: 37 SUPER POINTS: 95 (19t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Brumbies at New Plymouth 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 48 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 110 (22t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Hawke s Bay at New Plymouth SUPER GAMES: 67 SUPER POINTS: 45 (9t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Stormers at Cape Town PROVINCIAL GAMES: 64 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 85 (17t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Canterbury at Nelson TEST CAPS 3 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Auckland COACHES SAY: Seta was outstanding on the wing in 2017, a great finisher who knows his way to the line. Seta also creates a threat off the ball, and this adds an extra dimension to his play, as his line running is always a distraction to defensive lines. Seta played his way back into a black jersey in 2017, so we look forward to him re-joining the squad in the new year. COACHES SAY: He played big minutes for the BNZ Crusaders in 2017 and followed up another strong Super Rugby season with a solid provincial campaign for Tasman. He s a spiritual warrior and will look to take his game to new heights next year. CODIE TAYLOR MATT TODD DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL 1.83m, 111kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 105kg SUPER GAMES: 50 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Kings at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Auckland at Christchurch TEST CAPS 26 TEST POINTS 30 (6t) TEST DEBUT 2015 v Argentina at Christchurch COACHES SAY: A world-class athlete, Codie had another fantastic season for the BNZ Crusaders this year and followed that up with a strong test series for the All Blacks. He s still a young man but is already an important leader in the Crusaders side, having reached 50 games this season. We were thrilled to have Codie re-sign through to 2021 and we re confident he has plenty more to offer this team, so we look forward to another strong year from him in SUPER GAMES: 109 SUPER POINTS: 111(22t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 72 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 75 (15t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Waikato at Christchurch TEST CAPS 8 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2013 v France at New Plymouth COACHES SAY: Another consistent performer for the BNZ Crusaders, Matt Todd is the complete player in the No. 7 jersey. He s reliable, hard-working, and you ll never see him give less than 100% on the field or the training paddock. 11 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

12 SAM WHITELOCK ETHAN BLACKADDER DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.03m, 120kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 107kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 117 SUPER POINTS: 25 (5t) SUPER DEBUT: 2010 v Highlanders at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Wellington at Christchurch SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Otago at Dunedin TEST CAPS 93 TEST POINTS 25 (5t) TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland at New Plymouth TEST CAPS N/A COACHES SAY: In his debut season as captain of the BNZ Crusaders, Sam demonstrated outstanding leadership and really grew into his role as the season went on. He epitomises leading by example and always has the best interests of the team at the front of his mind. He s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and yet strives to continually raise the bar. COACHES SAY: Ethan is a quality loose forward, with an exceptional work rate and skill set. He s only in his early twenties but his form for Tasman, particularly towards the business end of the Mitre 10 Cup season, was outstanding and he s a player of tremendous character too which will make him a great addition to the Crusaders team in I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE