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    O'Connor out as Reds name team to face Crusaders

    2020-03-04 09:01

    The Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

    Kick-off is at 08:05 (SA time).

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    Isaac Lucas will wear the No 10 jersey for the second time this season with James O'Connor a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury.

    Scott Malolua will start at scrumhalf in a new-look halfback combination alongside Lucas, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also comes into the starting side at lock.

    Malolua's promotion sees Tate McDermott set to come on as a finisher in one-of-four changes to the reserves.

    Bryce Hegarty has been recalled into the 23-man squad following Lucas' elevation to flyhalf.

    Dane Zander comes in for Harry Hoopert as a replacement loosehead prop with Angus Blyth also taking his place in this week's side.

    "We're looking forward to this week’s challenge in Christchurch," head coach Brad Thorn said.

    "The Crusaders are a tough opposition - especially at home. We respect what they've done over the years. There's no better test than playing the best. We’re up for the contest on Friday night."

    Teams:

    Crusaders

    15 George Bridge, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Ere Enari, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

    Substitutes: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Manasa Mataele

    Reds

    15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Isaac Lucas, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (captain), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith

    Substitutes: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Filipo Daugunu

    - Reds Rugby

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    Fixtures

    Friday, 06 March 2020
    • Sunwolves v Brumbies, WIN Stadium 05:45
    • Crusaders v Reds, Orangetheory Stadium 08:05
    • Waratahs v Chiefs, WIN Stadium 10:15
    Saturday, 07 March 2020
    • Hurricanes v Blues, Sky Stadium 08:05
    • Rebels v Lions, AAMI Park 10:15
    • Sharks v Jaguares, Jonsson Kings Park Stadium 15:05
    • Bulls v Highlanders, Loftus Versfeld 17:15
    Friday, 13 March 2020
    • Chiefs v Hurricanes, FMG Stadium Waikato 08:05

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