HAMILTON – Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named his Super Rugby side to play the Chiefs in Hamilton, which sees a reshuffle in both the loose forwards and the midfield, from the team that took the field against the Hurricanes last week.
Prop Joe Moody returns, joining Codie Taylor and Michael Alaalatoa in the frontrow. Wyatt Crockett, in his 200th Crusaders game, will provide cover on the bench.
Scott Barrett is set to play his 50th Crusaders game on Saturday night, and will line up alongside Quinten Strange at lock. Matt Todd will again resume the captaincy this week.
Jordan Taufua - who was a late withdrawal last week due to a tight calf - will line up at No 8, which means Heiden Bedwell-Curtis moves to blindside flanker. Ethan Blackadder will provide cover on the bench, in place of Pete Samu.
TIm Bateman has been replaced in the midfield this week due to a hamstring injury, with Jack Goodhue to start in the No 12 jersey and Seta Tamanivalu moving in-field.
Following his successful return to club rugby last weekend, Israel Dagg takes a spot on the right wing.
This week the Crusaders will also welcome back winger Jone Macilai, to the match day side. Macilai makes a successful return from injury and will wear the No 23 jersey.
The Crusaders team is:
15 David Havili, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd (capt), 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Donald Brighouse, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Jone Macilai.