END OF 3rd QUARTER: Crusaders 14-14 Blues

END OF 1st QUARTER: Crusaders 0-7 Blues

This match will be played as 4 x 20 minute quarters.

TEAM NEWS: Blues - The squad named for their first pre-season match of 2025 sees the Blues feature a healthy balance of experience and youth to take on the Crusaders. Up front, veteran Ricky Riccitelli starts at hooker, packing down alongside Josh Fusitua and Angus Ta'avao in the front row. A new-look locking pair sees Tristyn Cook and Cam Suafoa named, while experienced campaigners Adrian Choat and Anton Segner join Sam Hainsworth-Fa'aofo to make up the loose forwards. It's a sharp 9-10 combination in Finlay Christie and captain Harry Plummer, who are joined by proven performers AJ Lam and Corey Evans in the midfield. Bay of Plenty's Reon Paul and Cole Forbes slot on to the wings, while the reliable Zarn Sullivan slots in at fullback. An extended bench sees veteran front-rowers Kurt Eklund and Jordan Lay joined by new faces in James Mullan, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Liam Hallam-Eames, and Terrell Peita. Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, and Lisati Milo-Harris provide cover for halfback, while youngsters Rico Simpson, Xavi Taele, and Nathan Salmon will be eager to make an impact.

TEAM NEWS: Crusaders - Rob Penney has named a side mixed with experience and youth for the Crusaders' first pre-season hit out of 2025. Counties Manukau's Ioane Moananu joins familiar faces Finlay Brewis and Seb Calder in the front row, while an exciting second row has been named in Canterbury's Tahlor Cahill and Tasman's Antonio Shalfoon. It's a formidable loose forward trio as Canterbury's Cullen Grace and Corey Kellow partner with All Black Ethan Blackadder, who slots onto the openside flank. Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara get the first shot as the 9-10 combination, while veterans Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua form a powerful midfield. Tasman's Macca Springer fills the left wing spot and Canterbury's Chay Fihaki starts on the right, with rising talent Isaac Hutchinson rounding out the starting side at fullback. An extended bench sees experienced players feature in George Bell, George Bower, Tom Christie, and Mitchell Drummond, alongside some fresh faces in Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Harrison Inch, and Eli Oudenryn. Former Wallaby James O'Connor also features on the extended bench.

Full lineups now available in the 'Lineups' tab above