The 20-year-old from Methven will start in the 12 jersey for the Crusaders sixth-round clash.
McLeod featured predominantly on the wing during Canterbury’s Mitre 10 Cup campaign in 2019, but he is set to make his Super Rugby debut in the position he featured in during his first XV rugby at Christ’s College.
“He’s a good young kid, had a great pre-season and worked really hard. He’s big in stature and has a great skillset. He’s come through our academy and worked really hard. It’s a great way for him to start, inside Richie [Mo’unga] and outside Jack [Goodhue],” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
McLeod says the feelings of being selected to start are a mix of nerves and excitement. His first phone call after the announcement was to family and he says there could a big convoy coming up from Methven to watch his debut.
“First thoughts was just really excited. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time, so to get called in the team announcement was really special,” McLeod said.
The Fijian winger has not seen Super Rugby action since a serious knee injury last February.
“He got a big cheer when the team was named, just because of the amount of work he has put in. It was pretty devastating because he was in incredible form when he did his knee . . . now is his time to show his impact at some point during the game,” Robertson said.
Leicester Faingaanuku and Sevu Reece will start on the wings. With no genuine centre option on the bench, Reece could also be called into the midfield if required.
“He was beaming after he was told that he’s going to come into 13 and cover that as required. He’s played a lot of that at NPC level and he’s got the skillset for it,” Robertson said.
A return to kicking duties for Richie Mo’unga is also expected. In the unlikely circumstance of his body not being right for goal kicking, Robertson joked that Reece could be an unlikely option.
“It’s a bit of a team joke,” Robertson said.
“He can play halfback as well Sevu. He played halfback at school. He goal kicked and was captain, so he’s pretty versatile.”
In the forwards, Scott Barrett returns to captain the side after a tweak to his knee while playing against the Blues last month. He said that although the Reds have just one win to their name this year, they must be given respect.
“I think the nature of any Australian team is they’re not going to be lacking in confidence. They’re gonna be backing themselves to come over here and throw everything at us,” Barrett said.
The Reds are coached by former Crusaders and All Blacks lock Brad Thorne. If his side can bring a fraction of the fight he bought to the game during his career in Christchurch, they won’t be put away easily.
“We’re well aware that the mindset he bought as a player, he’ll bring that with his players when they come over here. He’s a loved man over here for his success and durability,” Robertson said.
- Crusaders v Reds, 7.05pm, Friday at Orangetheory Stadium.
Crusaders team to play the Reds:
Joe Moody 1
Codie Taylor 2
Michael Alaalatoa 3
Scott Barrett (c) 4
Mitchell Dunshea 5
Cullen Grace 6
Tom Christie 7
Tom Sanders 8
Ereatara Enari 9
Richie Mo’unga 10
Leicester Faingaanuku 11
Dallas McLeod 12
Jack Goodhue 13
Sevu Reece 14
George Bridge 15
Reserves: Brodie McAlister 16, George Bower 17, Oliver Jager 18, Luke Romano 19, Sione Havili 20, Mitchell Drummond 21, Brett Cameron 22, Manasa Mataele 23
