Braydon Ennor partners David Havili in midfield for Crusaders Semi Final

June 10, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

The Crusaders have named their side to take on the Chiefs in a high-stakes semi-final showdown, with a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific Final on the line.

There’s a welcome boost up front this week with Fletcher Newell returning from injury, slotting back into the starting front row alongside Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis. After a minor MCL issue just weeks ago, Newell says he’s ready to go.

“I’m feeling really good, really confident in how the last week’s gone around my knee, and really excited to get back in the team. It’s going to be an awesome fixture this week,” Newell says.

The tighthead prop says a strong week on the training paddock has given him confidence heading into one of the biggest games of the season.

“I just had a full week of training and did everything I could to give myself the best opportunity to be out there. I’m really excited to get on the field,” he says.

Head Coach Rob Penney says Newell’s return comes at the perfect time as the Crusaders enter the most demanding stage of the competition.

“Fletch has played phenomenally for us, and we’re blessed to have him back this week,” Penney says.

“You need all your top weaponry available at this time of year, and his experience is going to be very valuable.”

In the backs, Braydon Ennor comes into the starting lineup at centre, bringing his composure and physicality to the midfield alongside captain David Havili.

Penney has full confidence in the change, with Ennor stepping in for the unavailable Dallas McLeod.

“He’s world class and brings some different elements, but he’s equally as impressive on both sides of the ball. You lose one, bring another in, and it’s hopefully pretty seamless,” he says.

Out wide, the finishing power and experience of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki and Johnny McNicholl will be crucial, with all three capable of breaking a game open.

McNicholl says he’s comfortable stepping into a bigger role, drawing on years of experience at the top level.

“I’ve been through a lot in my career, so I feel like I’ve had plenty of scenarios that I can draw back on and put into a semi-final like this,” McNicholl says.

“It’s my turn to go out there and do the job.”

The Crusaders also see consistency in the halves, with Taha Kemara earning another start at first five after a strong run of performances.

In a contest that has delivered tight encounters throughout the season, and as finals footy reaches its most unforgiving stage, anything can happen.

“There’s no guarantees. All we can control is how we prepare, and the group’s in a great mindset,” he says.

“At this stage of the competition, all the teams are very even and very capable of inflicting wounds on each other. It’s very brutal from here.”

The challenge doesn’t get any bigger, with a trip to Hamilton and a hostile crowd awaiting, but it’s one the Crusaders are embracing.

“It will be hostile, but it’s an awesome opportunity for us to go out there and put on a good performance. They’re a quality side and the last times we’ve played them have been really tough,” Newell says.

“We’ve got full trust in our group, and we’ve had a really good week, so now we’re just excited to go play.

“The stakes are higher, training’s more intense, the games are more intense – these are the games you want to play in."

Crusaders team to face the Chiefs:

Finlay Brewis
Codie Taylor (VC)
Fletcher Newell
Antonio Shalfoon
Jamie Hannah
Ethan Blackadder
Leicester Fainga’anuku
Christian Lio‑Willie
Noah Hotham
Taha Kemara
Sevu Reece
David Havili (C)
Braydon Ennor
Chay Fihaki
Johnny McNicholl

Reserves: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. Jack Sexton 18. George Bower 19. Tahlor Cahill 20. Dom Gardiner 21. Kyle Preston 22. Rivez Reihana 23. Macca Springer

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:

Cullen GRACE: Knee, 1 week

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Neck, 1-3 weeks

Seb CALDER: Calf, 1-3 weeks

George BELL: Calf, 1-3 weeks

Dallas MCLEOD: Groin, 1-3 weeks

Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)

Scott BARRETT: Back, out for the season

Will JORDAN: Calf, out for the season

Xavier SAIFOLOI: Shoulder, out for the season

Will TUCKER: Shoulder, out for the season

Toby BELL: Shoulder, out for the season