Crusaders Super rugby head coach Scott Robertson has named an All Black front row in his team to play the Highlanders at Orangetheory Stadium in Addington Christchurch.
The Crusaders’ All Blacks front row will start for the first time this season, with Codie Taylor and Owen Franks returning to the run-on side. Andrew Makalio and Michael Alaalatoa move to the reserves.
In the backs Braydon Ennor, who scored a hat-trick of tries in the Crusaders’ last regular season game against the Rebels on 8 June, will take a spot on the bench this week, making way for George Bridge to return to the starting line up.
The only other changes to the matchday side see Mitch Drummond and Mitch Hunt return in the reserves.
Crusaders
15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetu Douglas, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor