Crusaders get two returns
- The Crusaders were boosted with David Havili and hooker Codie Taylor cleared to return for Round 11. - Both players were confirmed available ahead of Christchurch's Super Round, improving Crusaders' selection options. - Their availability reshapes coaches' plans for the weekend clash, while the Waratahs named an all‑new front row in response ( ).
The Crusaders will have David Havili and Codie Taylor available for Friday night’s Round 11 match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Christchurch. (rugby.com.au) Rugby.com.au listed both players as cleared to return in its Super Rugby Pacific injury and unavailability update published on April 21, 2026. The match opens Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium on April 24. (rugby.com.au, super.rugby) Taylor is the Crusaders’ senior hooker, the front-row position that throws into lineouts and anchors the middle of the scrum. Havili gives Rob Penney another experienced backline option as the defending champions reshape their side for the first game at the new venue. (rugby.com.au, super.rugby) Super Round puts all five matches of the weekend in one city, and the 2026 edition is being staged in Christchurch. Super Rugby Pacific said the Round 11 program officially opens the new One New Zealand Stadium. (super.rugby, super.rugby) The Waratahs responded with a rebuilt front row of Isaac Kailea, Folau Faingaa and Siosifa Amone for the same game. Their team announcement said the trio would start together in Christchurch in a new combination. (waratahs.rugby) That selection came after New South Wales beat Moana Pasifika in Round 10, while the Crusaders were coming off a trip to Perth to face the Western Force. The fixture page for Friday’s game lists the teams’ season totals with the Crusaders ahead in points scored, carries and defenders beaten. (waratahs.rugby, super.rugby) Super Rugby’s Round 11 team release also showed the Crusaders making another notable call, with Leicester Fainga’anuku named to start at flanker. That gives Penney more flexibility across the pack and backs with Taylor and Havili back in the selection mix. (super.rugby, rugby.com.au) Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:35 p.m. AEST, with the Crusaders hosting the first match of Christchurch’s Super Round. The teams were named with the Crusaders getting back two established internationals and the Waratahs changing all three front-row starters. (waratahs.rugby, super.rugby)
