Crusaders face Jaguares in historic clash at home

SUPER Rugby action kicks off in Christchurch where the Crusaders host the Jaguares.

The Crusaders have never played the Jaguares before in Super Rugby so this will be a historic match.

The Crusaders will be aiming for a sixth straight win in this match. The Crusaders lost their first match this year (to the Chiefs) but since then they have gone unbeaten. Last week they beat the Force by one point.

The Jaguares are almost in the exact opposite position. They won their first match and have lost all of their subsequent matches but they are still on tour and this week will be the often dreaded third week on tour. In order to combat the tour fatigue the Jaguares have made nine changes for this match and a number of their stars return including captain and Pumas star Juan Martín Hernández who comes in at 10.

The Crusaders have also made changes for this match. Israel Dagg returns to the side for the first time this year and is one of five changes to the side that played the Force. In the forwards Props Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett have rotated so that Moody takes the starting spot this week. Scott Barrett will pair up with Luke Romano at lock and Jimmy Tupou will provide cover.

Andy Ellis will be the starting halfback and Kieron Fonotia will start at centre. Ryan Crotty will win his 100th Super Rugby cap for the Crusaders in this week’s match.

Teams

Crusaders: 1. Joe Moody ,2. Codie Taylor ,3. Owen Franks ,4. Luke Romano,5. Scott Barrett,6. Jordan Taufua,7. Matt Todd,8. Kieran Read (C),9. Andy Ellis,10. Richie Mo’unga,11. Nemani Nadolo,12. Ryan Crotty,13. Kieron Fonotia,14. Johnny McNicholl,15. Israel Dagg. Replacements : 16. Ged Robinson,17. Wyatt Crockett,18. Mike Alaalatoa,19. Jimmy Tupou,20. Tim Boys,21. Mitchell Drummond,22. Sean Wainui,23. Ben Volavola,

Jaguares: 1- Santiago García Botta , 2- Agustín Creevy (C) , 3- Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro , 4- Guido Petti , 5- Matías Alemanno , 6- Juan Manuel Leguizamón , 7- Rodrigo Báez , 8- Facundo Isa , 9- Gonzalo Bertranou , 10- Juan Martín Hernández , 11- Emiliano Boffelli , 12- Santiago González Iglesias , 13- Jerónimo de la Fuente , 14- Matías Orlando , 15- Joaquín Tuculet Replacements : 16- Facundo Bosch , 17- Felipe Arregui , 18- Enrique Pieretto , 19- Juan Cruz Guillemaín , 20- Pablo Matera , 21- Felipe Ezcurra , 22- Joaquín Paz , 23- Lucas González Amorosino.

Fixtures

Tonight: Crusaders v Jaguares; Rebels v Hurricanes

Tomorrow: Cheetahs v Sunwolves;

Blues v Sharks; Waratahs v Brumbies

Bulls v Reds; Lions v Stormers