Ardron returns for Chiefs against Crusaders

Tyler Ardron is back in the Chiefs starting lineup for the match against the defending Super Rugby champion Crusaders in Christchurch. Canada’s 2015 World Cup captain will start in the second row alongside All Blacks star Brodie Retallick. Ardron missed last week’s game against the Sunwolves.

The two sides have had completely opposite fortunes through three rounds of the competition. The Crusaders have won all three of their matches while the Chiefs have come up short in each of theirs. Three All Blacks have been left on the bench by the Crusaders this week though another five will start.

Kickoff is set for 5:15pm local time Saturday, or Friday night at 8:15pm Pacific, 11:15pm Eastern. Broadcasts will be available on ESPN in the USA and South America, while Canadians can watch on TSN’s streaming platforms.

CRUSADERS
1 Joe Moody, 2 Andrew Makalio, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Jordan Taufua, 7 Billy Harmon, 8 Whetu Douglas, 9 Ere Enari, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 11 Braydon Ennor, 12 Ryan Crotty (capt.), 13 Jack Goodhue, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Will Jordan

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Harry Allan, 18 George Bower, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 David Havili

CHIEFS
1 Aidan Ross, 2 Nathan Harris, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Brodie Retallick (capt.), 5 Tyler Ardron, 6 Mitchell Brown, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 8 Taleni Seu, 9 Brad Weber, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 13 Tumua Manu, 14 Sean Wainui, 15 Solomon Alaimalo

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Alex Nankivell

Date: Saturday, March 9
Venue: Christchurch Stadium
Kickoff: 17:15 local (Friday 20:15 Pacific, 23:15 Eastern)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (NZRU)
Assistants: Damon Murphy (ARU) & Nick Hogan (NZRU)
TMO: Shane McDermott (NZRU)
Broadcasts: ESPN, TSN.ca