HIGHLANDERS TEAM NAMING: Johnny Lee to debut and 50 Crusader Caps for Chay Fihaki

11 Mar 2026

The Crusaders have named a side this week that blends fresh excitement with some much‑needed stability as the group prepares for another fierce southern derby.

There’s been plenty of honest reflection after the loss to the Blues, but Head Coach Rob Penney says the mindset inside the camp remains strong. He’s clear about what hurt us most last weekend, mentioning the error rate and inconsistency, yet he never wavered in his belief about the group’s ability to bounce back.

“We’ve got a great group, very capable of turning it around quickly, and I’ve got no doubt they will do,” he says.

That confidence flows into this week’s lineup.

Johnny Lee will earn his first Crusaders cap, stepping straight into the seven jersey after months of hard graft behind the scenes.

Penney says the opportunity came after injuries opened a door, but Lee’s work ethic ensured he was ready to walk through it.

“He’s worked really hard in our environment and got himself in great nick. He’s a classy loose forward who can do all things, a big body who gets locked into the breakdown and has really good flexibility,” he says.

Chay Fihaki reaches a special milestone this weekend, running out for his 50th Crusaders appearance.

His growth has been steady and impressive, and the tone in Penney’s voice makes it clear just how valued he is.

“Chay’s journey has been special. He’s matured into a player who brings calm, skill and spark, and we’re incredibly proud of him hitting 50,” he says.

There’s more good news with George Bell returning earlier than expected. Penney calls it “miraculous” and says the group is “rapt to have him back,” bringing energy and impact into a match that’ll demand plenty of both.

Braydon Ennor also returns to the starting lineup, offering the defensive clarity and connection he’s known for.

“Braydon’s a world‑class defender and a great organiser,” Penney says, while also highlighting the game‑changing punch Leicester offers off the bench.

After three straight New Zealand derbies, the physical toll is real, yet the group has embraced it with a sense of determination. Penney says training this week carried a bit of an edge – the good kind.

“There should be a bit of edge. The boys care, they’re proud young men, and sometimes that creates a bit of sandpaper. It’s not negative – it’s a reflection of how much it means,” he says.

And while the team sheet carries plenty of good news this week, there’s been some tough moments too.

Young playmaker James White has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season after suffering a shoulder injury that now requires surgery. It’s heartbreaking for him and for us; he’s such a big part of our future and someone the group cares deeply about. We’re gutted for him and wish him all the best for a smooth, speedy recovery.

Taha Kemara is also unavailable as he works through concussion protocols.

Dom Gardiner will miss this week after injuring his ankle and knee, which is a real blow given the form he’s been building. Jamie Hannah is set to be sidelined for a few weeks with a hip issue, while Corey Kellow has taken a knock to his ribs and won’t feature as he recovers.

Come Saturday, fans can expect a strong tactical kicking battle, with Penney noting that current breakdown interpretations make it hard to string long attacking sequences together.

“All the games now are loaded with a lot of kicking,” he says, and acknowledges the Highlanders will bring the same.

“The group’s really well connected, enjoy each other’s company, desperate to do well,” Penney says.

“There’s a deep determination to turn this around.”

Crusaders team to face the Highlanders:

1. Finlay Brewis

2. Codie Taylor

3. Fletcher Newell

4. Antonio Shalfoon

5. Tahlor Cahill

6. Ethan Blackadder

7. Johnny Lee*

8. Christian Lio‑Willie

9. Noah Hotham

10. Rivez Reihana

11. Sevu Reece

12. David Havili (C)

13. Braydon Ennor

14. Chay Fihaki

15. Will Jordan

Reserves: 16. George Bell 17. George Bower 18. Seb Calder 19. Will Tucker 20. Xavier Saifoloi 21. Kyle Preston 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku 23. Dallas McLeod

*Uncapped

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Hip, 2 weeks

Corey KELLOW: Ribs, 2-3 weeks

Jamie HANNAH: Hip, 2-3 weeks

Johnny MCNICOLL: Hamstring, 3-5 weeks

Liam JACK: Hamstring, 4-6 weeks

Maloni KUNAWAVE: Hamstring, 4-6 weeks

Macca SPRINGER: Quad, 4-6 weeks

Cooper ROBERTS: Stress fracture (fibula), 4-6 weeks

Dom GARDINER: Ankle/ knee, 3-4 weeks

Taha KEMARA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)