Latest news with #CanterburyCrusaders
France 24
11-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Veteran James O'Connor called up for Wallabies against Lions
The 35-year-old started all three Tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the Lions in 2013, but he has not played for his country in almost three years. He joins prop James Slipper in a 36-man squad for three Tests starting on July 19 in Brisbane as the only two players to have faced the combined might of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland before. O'Connor was a revelation for the Canterbury Crusaders in their charge to the Super Rugby title this season after a move from the Queensland Reds. But he was overlooked by Australia coach Joe Schmidt for their warm-up Test against Fiji this month, where a ragged team narrowly avoided a morale-sapping loss. First choice flyhalf Noah Lolesio was injured in the match and needed neck surgery that has ruled him out of the three-Test series. That opened the door to the versatile O'Connor. "I had a few conversations with James during the year," Schmidt said of O'Connor. "He had a good, Super season for the Crusaders. He stayed close, he stayed connected the whole way through (with the Wallabies). He can potentially help the players, particularly our young 10s." Wallabies squad: Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Havili, Salakaia-Loto to lead Australia-New Zealand against Lions
David Havili, who led Canterbury Crusaders to the Super Rugby title, will co-captain the AUNZ XV against the British and Irish Lions (Sanka Vidanagama) David Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto were on Thursday named co-captains of a "powerful" Australia-New Zealand combined side stacked with All Blacks and Wallabies to face the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide. Coach Les Kiss picked 17 internationals in his matchday 23 for Saturday's final warm-up game for the Lions before they face Australia in the opening Test on July 19 in Brisbane. Advertisement Head coach Andy Farrell's side are unbeaten in four matches in Australia after wins over four Super Rugby sides, including 36-24 against ACT Brumbies on Wednesday in Canberra. The Australia-New Zealand side, the first time the powerhouses have joined forces since 1989, could provide the Lions with their biggest test so far. Every player in the starting XV has international caps, with Salakaia-Loto part of a Queensland Reds-heavy tight five alongside Aidan Ross, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Angus Blyth. Former Bordeaux flanker Pete Samu starts at flanker, with All Blacks Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu completing the forward pack. Advertisement Havili, who recently led the Canterbury Crusaders to the Super Rugby title, is at inside centre alongside former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape. Shaun Stevenson will start at fullback. "After speaking with all the players we thought the co-captaincy model with natural leaders like David and Lukhan would really suit this team and what we represent," said Kiss, who will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach next year and is being assisted by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. "This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other. Advertisement "In forming new bonds, many of them have discovered they have more in common than they originally thought. "We have named an experienced, powerful starting side for Saturday and we know our bench will make an impact when they get their opportunity." AUNZ Invitational XV (15-1): Shaun Stevenson; AJ Lam, Ngani Laumape, David Havili (co-capt), Marika Koroibete; Tane Edmed, Folau Fakatava; Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-capt), Angus Blyth; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, George Dyer, Matt Philip, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell tl/dh
Reuters
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
All Blacks prop Williams ruled out of France series
June 30 (Reuters) - All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of the test series against France with a knee injury, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed on Monday. Williams pulled up sore after helping the Canterbury Crusaders beat the Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby championship-decider, and scans later revealed a torn meniscus. NZR said surgery would be required. George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace Williams ahead of the series-opener against the French in Dunedin on Saturday.
France 24
30-06-2025
- Sport
- France 24
All Blacks lose injured prop Williams for France series
It is the second setback for the All Blacks in a matter of days, with rising back-row star Wallace Sititi also sidelined and needing an operation for an ankle issue. Williams sustained a torn meniscus during the recent Super Rugby final, where his team Canterbury Crusaders beat Waikato Chiefs. "Scans have revealed the tear," New Zealand Rugby said. "Assessment by a surgeon this morning has confirmed surgery will be required." George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace him. New Zealand face France in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, with the first Test on July 5. © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
All Blacks lose injured prop Williams for France series
New Zealand prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of their France series with a knee injury (Miguel MEDINA) New Zealand prop Tamaiti Williams was on Monday ruled out of the three-Test series against France with a knee injury that will require surgery. It is the second setback for the All Blacks in a matter of days, with rising back-row star Wallace Sititi also sidelined and needing an operation for an ankle issue. Advertisement Williams sustained a torn meniscus during the recent Super Rugby final, where his team Canterbury Crusaders beat Waikato Chiefs. "Scans have revealed the tear," New Zealand Rugby said. "Assessment by a surgeon this morning has confirmed surgery will be required." George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace him. New Zealand face France in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, with the first Test on July 5. mp/dh
