Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong starting line-up for Saturday’s highly anticipated clash with the Hurricanes in Christchurch.
Roberston has made just four changes to the 23-man matchday squad that beat the Bulls last weekend.
Joe Moody has rotated into the number one jersey this week, with Wyatt Crockett taking a spot on the bench. Also in the pack, hooker Ben Funnell returns to the 23 via the bench to provide cover for Codie Taylor.
In the backs, Ryan Crotty will start at inside centre this week, while Manasa Mataele comes into the reserves as backs cover.
Matt Todd will captain the side again this week, and will also have his 100th Super Rugby game (achieved against the Cheetahs in South Africa) recognised in front of the home crowd, with a post-match presentation.
New Zealand Rugby will present Todd with a greenstone mere to mark his milestone.
Saturday night’s game promises to be a thrilling encounter with the Crusaders aiming to maintain their unbeaten record with their eleventh straight win, while the Hurricanes have lost just one game this season to the Chiefs.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd (c), 6 Pete Samu, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele
Date: Saturday, May 13
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 local (09.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Mike Fraser, Cam Stone
TMO: Glenn Newman
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