Crusaders Super rugby head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to play the Blues at Eden Park and included Matt Todd as captain.
Todd captains the Super rugby champions in the absence of regular captain Sam Whitelock. Ryan Crotty has been named vice-captain.
The team features 10 players in the starting line up who were part of the All Blacks environment in 2018, including Test debutants Richie Mo’unga at first five-eighth and George Bridge on the left wing.
20-year-old Will Jordan has also been named in the match day side, and could earn his first Super Rugby cap if called on to take the field.
“After a long pre-season, there is a lot of excitement among the group to get our 2019 campaign underway.” Robertson said.
“The team is refreshed and eager to get back into their work following two solid pre-season games. The Blues present a big challenge for us first up on Saturday night, which is a fantastic way to start the season.”
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody, 2. Andrew Makalio ,3. Owen Franks , 4. Scott Barrett ,5. Quinten Strange 6. Jordan Taufua , 7. Matt Todd (C) , 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas , 9. Bryn Hall 23. Will Jordan*, 10. Richie Mo’unga , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC) , 13. Braydon Ennor , 14. Manasa Mataele , 15. David Havili
Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell , 17. Tim Perry ,18. Michael Alaalatoa ,19. Luke Romano ,20. Tom Sanders ,21. Mitchell Drummond ,22. Mitchell Hunt
