2014SQUADNAMING

The 2014 Squad

Dominic BirdTyler BleyendaalDaniel CarterWyatt CrockettRyan CrottyIsrael DaggMitchell DrummondAndy EllisCorey FlynnOwen FranksBen FunnellZac GuildfordWilli HeinzNepo LaulalaRey Lee-LoRichie McCawJohnny McNichollJoe MoodyNemani NadoloTim PerryKieran ReadLuke RomanoColin SladeJordan TaufuaCodie TaylorTom TaylorMatt ToddJimmy TupouAdam WhitelockGeorge WhitelockLuke WhitelockSam Whitelock Jed BrownKieron FonotiaMike KaingaRob ThompsonNafi Tuitavake

Level 1, 5 Durham StreetSydenhamChristchurch

PO Box 755SydenhamChristchurch

DDI: 64 (0)3 379 8300

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TODD BLACKADDER AARON MAUGERTABAI MATSONDAVE HEWETT

TODD BLACKADDERPOSITION CoachDATE OF BIRTH 20.09.73 in RangioraCOACHING ROLES Tasman Coach 2008;Tasman Director of Rugby 2007; CrusadersTechnical Assistant 2007; Edinburgh GunnersCoach 2006; Scotland Assistant Coach2004‑05; Edinburgh Forwards Coach 2004‑05.

Former All Blacks and Crusaders Captain, Todd Blackadderreturns for his sixth year as Head Coach of the Crusaders.Blackadder took on the Crusaders role after playing andcoaching in Scotland and then taking Tasman to the quarterfinalsof New Zealand’s national provincial competition in 2008.He had previously enjoyed an illustrious playing careerconsisting of 25 All Blacks games including 14 as All Blackscaptain; captain of the Crusaders Super Rugby team and theonly man to ever lift the Super Rugby trophy three times ascaptain of the winning team; and captain of the Canterburyprovincial team.

DAVE HEWETTPOSITION Assistant CoachDATE OF BIRTH 14.07.71 in ChristchurchCOACHING ROLES Crusaders ScrumCoach 2009; Crusaders Technical Advisor –Forwards 2010.

Former All Blacks prop, Dave Hewett, first joined theCrusaders coaching team as a Scrum Coach in 2009 and in2010 he was a Technical Advisor – Forwards. He has been an Assistant Coach for the last three seasons and his expert guidance with the forwards has helped give the Crusaders the reputation of having one of the most efficient scrums in the competition.Hewett played 22 tests for the All Blacks after making hisfirst appearance at age 30. He scored a try on his test debutagainst Ireland at Dublin in 2001 and played the last of his22 Tests for New Zealand at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.He also played 71 times for the Crusaders, 55 times forthe Canterbury provincial team and eight times for SouthCanterbury. He played 35 games for Edinburgh, under thestewardship of fellow coach Todd Blackadder for 2 years.

TABAI MATSONPOSITION Assistant CoachDATE OF BIRTH 14.05.73 in FijiCOACHING ROLES Canterbury Head Coach2012, Canterbury Assistant Coach 2009‑2011,Head Coach Gold Coast Eagles RC 2009,Gold Coast Breakers Div 1 Head Coach 2008,University of Queensland Assistant Coach 2007;Head Coach Yamaha Rugby Club 2003-2006

Tabai Matson joined the Crusaders coaching team in 2013fresh from a season as head coach of Canterbury. He lead the Canterbury team to its fifth successive national provincial title plus set try scoring and defensive records for Canterbury and the ITM Cup. His focus with the Crusaders is on improving the attack play.Matson is also a former All Black, Canterbury and Crusaderscentre and a Fijian International. Having lived in France,England, Japan and Australia for more than ten years, Matsonbrings a wealth of overseas playing and coaching experience.He would be one of a very few New Zealand Coaches to havethe ARU Top Coaching Qualification.

AARON MAUGERPOSITION Assistant CoachDATE OF BIRTH 29.11.80 in ChristchurchCOACHING ROLES Canterbury AttackCoach 2012, High School Old Boys Coach2011‑2012

Aaron Mauger was picked up by the Crusaders coaching team in 2013 after impressing with the work he did on skills and attack with the Canterbury provincial team.He is another former Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks player, who made his mark with his ability to find gaps, run outstanding lines, stand his line solidly in defence, pass intelligently to set up his outside players, and kick like a first five – all skills he’ll be aiming to impart on the 2014 Crusaders back line. Throughout his entire career with the Crusaders he managed to rack up over 150 points, dotting down a staggering 22 times, with an additional 10 conversions, two penalties and six drop goals. He played for the All Blacks atsecond five from 2001 to 2007.

DOMINIC BIRD WYATT CROCKETTDANIEL CARTERTYLER BLEYENDAAL

DOMINIC BIRDPOSITION LockPHYSICAL 2.06m 112kgDATE OF BIRTH 9.4.91at WaipukurauPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 15PROVINCIAL POINTS 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v ManawatuSUPER CAPS 10SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v BluesTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“A big, tough lock with incredible athleticism. When he stood in for Luke Romano last year he was hugely impressive and earned man of the match in his first game. Injury robbed much of last year’s campaign from him, but the limited game time he had was enough to convince the All Blacks selectors to include him in the 2013 end of year tour.”

TYLER BLEYENDAALPOSITION First five‑eighthPHYSICAL 1.85m 96kgDATE OF BIRTH 31.5.90 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 31PROVINCIAL POINTS 215 (5t, 44c, 33p, 1d)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v WellingtonSUPER CAPS 16SUPER POINTS 107 (2t, 8c, 27p)SUPER DEBUT 2012 v BluesTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“Really impressed with his form this year and his development through the ITM Cup. He is starting to have a massive influence in key games thanks to his intelligent understanding of the game, ability to make good decisions and consistently good execution of his key roles.”

DANIEL CARTERPOSITION First five‑eighthPHYSICAL 1.78m 94kgDATE OF BIRTH 5.3.82 at LeestonPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 27PROVINCIAL POINTS 289 (12t, 47c, 45p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2002 v MarlboroughSUPER CAPS 123SUPER POINTS 1547 (33t, 259c, 277p, 11d)SUPER DEBUT 2003 v HurricanesTEST CAPS 97TEST POINTS 1411 (29t, 249c, 250p, 6d)TEST DEBUT 2003 v Wales

“One of rugby’s greatest. He is world-class in all aspects of his game and will be missed while on extended leave this season, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the fold.”

WYATT CROCKETTPOSITION Loosehead propPHYSICAL 1.93m 116 kgDATE OF BIRTH 24.1.83 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 73PROVINCIAL POINTS 30 (6t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2005 v MarlboroughSUPER CAPS 122SUPER POINTS 40 (8t)SUPER DEBUT 2006 v HighlandersTEST CAPS 20TEST POINTS 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy

“An all-round champion. He plays much like a loose forward so has an impressive work rate. He has worked really hard on his scrummaging in recent years and has been awarded with an All Blacks jersey. A good team mate.”

RYAN CROTTY ANDY ELLISMITCHELL DRUMMONDISRAEL DAGG

RYAN CROTTYPOSITION Midfield Back PHYSICAL 1.81m 91kgDATE OF BIRTH 23.9.88 at NelsonPROVINCE Canterbury PROVINCIAL CAPS 54PROVINCIAL POINTS 60 (12t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2008 v OtagoSUPER CAPS 63SUPER POINTS 50 (10t)SUPER DEBUT 2009 v HurricanesTEST CAPS 1TEST POINTS 0TEST DEBUT 2013 v Australia in Sydney

“He is one of the experienced Crusaders now. He’s grown a lot as a rugby player and also in a leadership role. He earned a well‑deserved call‑up to the All Blacks in 2013 and, having had a taste of that environment, should be looking to come back and really dominate in this campaign.”

ISRAEL DAGGPOSITION Fullback PHYSICAL 1.86m 96kgDATE OF BIRTH 6.6.88 at MartonPROVINCE Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS 43PROVINCIAL POINTS 64 (11t, 3c, 1p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2006 v Counties ManukauSUPER CAPS 68SUPER POINTS 213 (24t, 18c, 19p)SUPER DEBUT 2009 v Brumbies (Highlanders)TEST CAPS 35TEST POINTS 65 (12t, 1c, 1p)TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland

“He is a talented player, who also brings a lot of enthusiasm and personality to the team. His aerial work is fantastic.”

MITCHELL DRUMMONDPOSITION Halfback PHYSICAL 1.80m 84kg DATE OF BIRTH 15.2.94 PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 1PROVINCIAL POINTS 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2013 v ManawatuSUPER CAPS 0SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“This will be his first Super Rugby campaign and is a massive step up for him as he hasn’t played a lot of first class rugby. We’ve watched him come through the Canterbury Rugby Academy system though and have received excellent feedback from his time in the All Blacks Sevens environment. We believe he is ready to go and his game will develop really quickly in this environment.”

ANDY ELLISPOSITION HalfbackPHYSICAL 1.82m 89 kgDATE OF BIRTH 21.2.84 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 73PROVINCIAL POINTS 84 (15t, 3d)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2005 v Nelson BaysSUPER CAPS 107SUPER POINTS 109 (20t, 3d)SUPER DEBUT 2006 v RedsTEST CAPS 26TEST POINTS 20 (4t)TEST DEBUT 2006 v England

“He is one of the most experienced players in the squad, but is by no means past his peak. He is still consistently performing and still an outstanding leader. He nails his core roles every time and gives confidence to the team.”

COREY FLYNN ZAC GUILDFORDBEN FUNNELLOWEN FRANKS

COREY FLYNNPOSITION Hooker PHYSICAL 1.84m 108kgDATE OF BIRTH 5.1.81 at InvercargillPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 87PROVINCIAL POINTS 40 (8t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2001 v Otago (Southland)SUPER CAPS 134SUPER POINTS 90 (18t)SUPER DEBUT 2002 v BluesTEST CAPS 15TEST POINTS 15 (3t)TEST DEBUT 2003 v Canada

“He brings a tough edge to our front row. He also works really hard on game plans and how the front row needs to scrummage. He is part of our legacy group and provides great experience and leadership. He will have a big influence on Codie Taylor and Ben Funnell’s development.”

OWEN FRANKSPOSITION Tighthead PropPHYSICAL 1.85m 118kgDATE OF BIRTH 23.12.87 at MotuekaPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 18PROVINCIAL POINTS 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2007 v North HarbourSUPER CAPS 75SUPER POINTS 10 (2t)SUPER DEBUT 2009 v ForceTEST CAPS 51TEST POINTS 0TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy

“A great scrummager and a great defender. He loves the physicality of the game which makes him a formidable opponent. Owen is still young and has plenty more playing years in him yet. He is someone who constantly seeks improvement so we may not have seen the best of him yet.”

BEN FUNNELLPOSITION HookerPHYSICAL 1.80m 105kgDATE OF BIRTH 6.6.90 at Palmerston North PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 34PROVINCIAL POINTS 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v North OtagoSUPER CAPS 16SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2012 v WaratahsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“A tough and uncompromising player who showed in his second year of ITM Cup and first year of Super Rugby that he has the ability to step up. He is a young man who will continue to improve the basics and only get better and better.”

ZAC GUILDFORDPOSITION Left WingPHYSICAL 1.82m 94kgDATE OF BIRTH 8.2.89 at MastertonPROVINCE Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS 68PROVINCIAL POINTS 205 (41t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2007 v Taranaki (Hawke’s Bay)SUPER CAPS 79SUPER POINTS 190 (38t)SUPER DEBUT 2008 v StormersTEST CAPS 10TEST POINTS 30 (6t)TEST DEBUT 2009 v Wales

“He has just completed a fantastic season for Hawke’s Bay in the 2013 ITM Cup. He has clearly been working hard and is playing with enthusiasm. Probably the best support player in his position.”

WILLI HEINZ RICHIE MCCAWREY LEE-LONEPO LAULALA

WILLI HEINZPOSITION HalfbackPHYSICAL 1.79m 92kgDATE OF BIRTH 24.11.86 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 45PROVINCIAL POINTS 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2009 v WaikatoSUPER CAPS 41SUPER POINTS 15 (3t)SUPER DEBUT 2010 v ChiefsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“There is plenty of upside still left in Willi and we will see his game develop even further this season. He and Andy Ellis are already pushing each other hard for the top spot. He is a keen and willing learner and a hard worker, so will continue to develop and improve.”

NEPO LAULALAPOSITION Tighthead Prop PHYSICAL 1.84m 116kg DATE OF BIRTH 6.11.91 at Samoa PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 27PROVINCIAL POINTS 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011v North OtagoSUPER CAPS 3SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v ChiefsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“This is a player we will hear a lot more about in the future. He is coming on in leaps and bounds and the more he plays the better he gets. He got thrown in the deep end last season and showed he was up to it.”

REY LEE-LOPOSITION Centre PHYSICAL 1.81m 96kg DATE OF BIRTH 20.2.86 at SamoaPROVINCE Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS 42PROVINCIAL POINTS 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2009 v Hawke’s BaySUPER CAPS 12SUPER POINTS 5 (1t)SUPER DEBUT 2013 v Blues (Hurricanes)TEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“He is an exciting new prospect for us and will give us a different dynamic. He creates opportunities for the guys around him, both with ball in hand but also with his offload ability. We look forward to welcoming him to our mix.”

RICHIE MCCAWPOSITION Openside FlankerPHYSICAL 1.87m 108kgDATE OF BIRTH 31.12.80 at OamaruPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 34PROVINCIAL POINTS 50 (10t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2000 v North HarbourSUPER CAPS 122SUPER POINTS 130 (26t)SUPER DEBUT 2001 v HurricanesTEST CAPS 120TEST POINTS 105 (21t)TEST DEBUT 2001 v Ireland

“It is great to have Richie back from his extended leave. He’s not only one of the best players in the world, he also has a lot more to offer the environment – he is a great mentor for the younger players and a great sounding board for the coaches. We are keen to get him out there playing as much rugby as possible.”

JOHNNY MCNICHOLL TIM PERRYNEMANI NADOLOJOE MOODY

JOHNNY MCNICHOLLPOSITION Wing / FullbackPHYSICAL 1.85m 96kgDATE OF BIRTH 24.9.90 PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 30PROVINCIAL POINTS 80 (16t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v North OtagoSUPER CAPS 4SUPER POINTS 5 (1t)SUPER DEBUT 2013 v HurricanesTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“It is great to see Johnny back from injury as he was a big loss for us in 2013. He has got possibly the best feet in the game. He is a great finisher and can sniff an opportunity. 2014 should be a big year for Johnny.”

JOE MOODYPOSITION Loosehead PropPHYSICAL 1.88m 112kgDATE OF BIRTH 18.9.88PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 18PROVINCIAL POINTS 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v North OtagoSUPER CAPS 16SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v BluesTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“He is a young, raw talent with enormous potential. He has really accelerated his learning this year and is developing into a true professional. He does the basics well and is one of the strongest props in the competition.”

NEMANI NADOLOPOSITION Wing / centrePHYSICAL 1.96m, 125kgDATE OF BIRTH 31.01.88 PROVINCE NEC Green RocketsPROVINCIAL CAPS 27PROVINCIAL POINTS 206PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011SUPER CAPS -SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 8 (for Fiji)TEST POINTS 20 (4t)TEST DEBUT 2010 v Australia

“He has been playing most recently in Japan, and also captained the Fiji Warriors team. This huge winger/centre is going to bring some blockbusting dynamic to the Crusaders team.”

TIM PERRYPOSITION Loosehead Prop PHYSICAL 1.88m 116kg DATE OF BIRTH 1.8.88 at AshburtonPROVINCE TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS 31PROVINCIAL POINTS 55 (5t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2010 v South Canterbury (Mid Canterbury)SUPER CAPS 7 SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v BullsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“A talented loosehead prop who hails from Mid Canterbury and plays for Tasman. He has previously been in the Crusaders Wider Training Group but played for the Blues last year. It is great to have him back at home this season and he will add some useful experience to the squad.”

KIERAN READ JORDAN TAUFUACOLIN SLADELUKE ROMANO

KIERAN READPOSITION Number EightPHYSICAL 1.93m 110kgDATE OF BIRTH 26.10.85 at PapakuraPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 37PROVINCIAL POINTS 50 (10t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2006 v Wairarapa BushSUPER CAPS 96SUPER POINTS 80 (16t)SUPER DEBUT 2007 v Blues TEST CAPS 58TEST POINTS 65 (13t)TEST DEBUT 2008 v Scotland

“The best Number 8 in the world. A natural leader and an inspiration to his teammates. He brings a lot of experience to the pack.”

LUKE ROMANOPOSITION LockPHYSICAL 1.99m 115kgDATE OF BIRTH 16.2.86 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 26PROVINCIAL POINTS 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2009v TasmanSUPER CAPS 46SUPER POINTS 25 (5t)SUPER DEBUT 2011 v BullsTEST CAPS 15TEST POINTS 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland

“One of our strongest ball carriers and relatively quick for a lanky lock. He is playing at the highest level but still has untapped potential. A robust, hard player – ‘the enforcer’.”

COLIN SLADEPOSITION First five‑eighth / FullbackPHYSICAL 1.83m 90kgDATE OF BIRTH 10.10.87 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 43PROVINCIAL POINTS 295 (10t, 58c, 43p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2008 v ManawatuSUPER CAPS 47SUPER POINTS 232 (4t, 40c, 43p, 1d)SUPER DEBUT 2009 v ChiefsTEST CAPS 11TEST POINTS 60 (3t, 18c, 3p)TEST DEBUT 2010 v Australia

“We are really happy to have Colin back in the mix. He is a world‑class player with great ver-satility and valuable experience. He has a great skill set and can really dictate a match.”

JORDAN TAUFUAPOSITION Number EightPHYSICAL 1.85m 100kgDATE OF BIRTH 29.1.92 at Auckland PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 24PROVINCIAL POINTS 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2012 v CanterburySUPER CAPS 5SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v StormersTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“One of the best impact players in Super Rugby. He makes a huge difference when he comes on, whether that’s carrying the ball or shifting bodies. We are looking forward to unleashing him this season.”

CODIE TAYLOR JIMMY TUPOUMATT TODDTOM TAYLOR

CODIE TAYLORPOSITION Hooker PHYSICAL 1.83m 106kg DATE OF BIRTH 31.3.91 at LevinPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 10PROVINCIAL POINTS 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2012 v AucklandSUPER CAPS 3SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v KingsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“A young player with huge potential. Injuries held him back this year, but he is one of the fittest athletes in the squad. He plays at hooker but would have the fitness and skills to play second five, centre or wing.”

TOM TAYLORPOSITION Five eighthPHYSICAL 1.83m 90kgDATE OF BIRTH 11.3.89 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 25PROVINCIAL POINTS 307 (7t, 64c, 48p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v North OtagoSUPER CAPS 25SUPER POINTS 201 (2t, 19c, 51p)SUPER DEBUT 2012 v ChiefsTEST CAPS 2TEST POINTS 14 (1c, 4p)TEST DEBUT 2013 v Australia in Auckland

“A true professional. He has outstanding character and the development of his game over the last few years is testament to how hard he works. He brings great versatility with the ability to play at first five, second five or fullback. He now has first‑class experience with the All Blacks that he will bring back to the Crusaders and really start dominating at this level.”

MATT TODDPOSITION Openside FlankerPHYSICAL 1.85m 103kgDATE OF BIRTH 24.3.88 at ChristchurchPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 49PROVINCIAL POINTS 30 (6t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2009 v WaikatoSUPER CAPS 51SUPER POINTS 40 (8t)SUPER DEBUT 2011 v BluesTEST CAPS 2TEST POINTS 0TEST DEBUT 2013 v France in New Plymouth

“He took his opportunities for the Crusaders and was one of our best players last year. He epitomises everything you expect from a professional player, and more. He works hard off the field and was rewarded with All Blacks selection. We are looking forward to him recovering from injury and being back in the team.”

JIMMY TUPOUPOSITION Lock PHYSICAL 1.96m 109kgDATE OF BIRTH 8.8.92 PROVINCE Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS 21PROVINCIAL POINTS 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2012 v SouthlandSUPER CAPS 2SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v WaratahsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“Last year was very much a development year for Jimmy. He has matured and played really well for Counties Manukau this season. He has an unbelievable skill set for a big man. We see him being a mix between Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino.”

ADAM WHITELOCK LUKE WHITELOCK SAM WHITELOCKGEORGE WHITELOCK

ADAM WHITELOCKPOSITION Centre / Wing PHYSICAL 1.85m 95kgDATE OF BIRTH 17.4.87 at Palmerston NorthPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 44PROVINCIAL POINTS 60 (12t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2008 v WellingtonSUPER CAPS 53SUPER POINTS 35 (7t)SUPER DEBUT 2009 v BrumbiesTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“One of the most professional players out there. He has a huge work rate and gives his all. He has had an outstanding 2013 ITM Cup season and we look forward to seeing more of that with the Crusaders.”

GEORGE WHITELOCKPOSITION Loose ForwardPHYSICAL 1.90m 108kgDATE OF BIRTH 27.3.86 at Palmerston NorthNPC TEAM CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 79PROVINCIAL POINTS 75 (15t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2007 v Southland (Otago)SUPER CAPS 78SUPER POINTS 35 (7t)SUPER DEBUT 2008 v LionsTEST CAPS 1TEST POINTS 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy

“Week in week out you know what you’re going to get. He is reliable, trustworthy, and always gives everything he’s got. A great tradesman.”

LUKE WHITELOCKPOSITION Loose ForwardPHYSICAL 1.90m 104kgDATE OF BIRTH 29.1.91 at Palmerston NorthPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 25PROVINCIAL POINTS 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v WellingtonSUPER CAPS 28SUPER POINTS 5 (1t)SUPER DEBUT 2012 v ChiefsTEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

“A very talented young man with enormous potential. He has a great work ethic and works really hard behind the scenes on skills. He also has a great knowledge of the game. He is a dynamic player and is becoming more tough and physical.”

SAM WHITELOCKPOSITION LockPHYSICAL 2.02m 116kgDATE OF BIRTH 12.10.88 at Palmerston NorthPROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 19PROVINCIAL POINTS 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2008 v WellingtonSUPER CAPS 59SUPER POINTS 10 (2t)SUPER DEBUT 2010 v HighlandersTEST CAPS 48TEST POINTS 20 (4t)TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland

“The backbone of the forward pack. You won’t find a harder worker. He drives our lineout and leads on defence. Consistency is the key to his game.”

MIKE KAINGAKIERON FONOTIAJED BROWN

JED BROWNPOSITION FlankerPHYSICAL 1.86m 93kgDATE OF BIRTH 12.3.91 PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 10PROVINCIAL POINTS 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2012 v Auckland SUPER CAPS 0SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

KIERON FONOTIAPOSITION CentrePHYSICAL 1.86m 108kgDATE OF BIRTH 2.2.88PROVINCE TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS 34PROVINCIAL POINTS 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2011 v NorthlandSUPER CAPS 0SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

MIKE KAINGAPOSITION PropPHYSICAL 1.85m 120kgDATE OF BIRTH 28.1.91 PROVINCE Bay of PlentyPROVINCIAL CAPS 8PROVINCIAL POINTS 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2012 v TaranakiSUPER CAPS 3SUPER POINTS 0SUPER DEBUT 2013 v Reds (Chiefs)TEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

WIDERTRAINING

GROUP

ROB THOMPSON NAFI TUITAVAKE

ROB THOMPSONPOSITION Second five‑eighthPHYSICAL DATE OF BIRTH PROVINCE CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS 11PROVINCIAL POINTS 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2013 v TaranakiSUPER CAPS 0SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

NAFI TUITAVAKEPOSITION Wing / CentrePHYSICAL 1.80m 94kgDATE OF BIRTH 21.1.89 PROVINCE North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS 61PROVINCIAL POINTS 95 (19t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT 2008 v Bay of PlentySUPER CAPS 0SUPER POINTS N/ASUPER DEBUT N/ATEST CAPS 0TEST POINTS N/ATEST DEBUT N/A

Photos: Getty Images

2014SQUADNAMING