Crusaders hand debut to Kellow for Highlanders match

Crusaders Super rugby head coach Scott Robertson has named a new member to the cluf Friday’s match against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific.

Robertson has confirmed loose forward, Corey Kellow, will become Crusader number 255 when he makes his debut off the bench against the Highlanders.

The Canterbury NPC representative, who is also a former New Zealand Secondary Schools’ and Crusaders Under 20s rep, will provide cover for Pablo Matera and Tom Christie at six and seven respectively.

Robertson has made few changes to the team that took the field against the Hurricanes last weekend, with the forward pack unchanged heading in to round two, and Mitch Drummond and Sevu Reece the only additions to the backline, in place of Bryn Hall and George Bridge.

“We know how dangerous the Highlanders can be,” Robertson said. “We only have to look back at our last encounter with them to appreciate the challenge in front of us on Friday night, but we’ve prepared well and we’re ready for it.

“It’s a home game for the Highlanders but it’s going to be a pretty unique experience for both teams, without the noise and energy of the zoo, filling the stadium. In saying that, they’re always special matches between these two sides, and I’m sure this contest under the roof will be no different.”

Crusaders

1. Joe Moody, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. Oli Jager, 4. Samuel Whitelock , 5. Scott Barrett (C), 6. Pablo Matera, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Cullen Grace, 9. Mitch Drummond, 10. Fergus Burke, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12. David Havili (VC), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece , 15. Will Jordan

Replacements: 16. Shilo Klein, 17. George Bower, 18. Tamaiti Williams, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow*, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Simon Hickey, 23. George Bridge,

*denotes Crusaders debut