Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made just one change to his starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Lions in Christchurch.
In the number six jersey, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis will start in place of the injured loose forward Jordan Taufua, who fractured his arm in the semi-final victory over the Hurricanes.
Last weekend’s reserve hooker, Seb Siataga, also fractured his arm in that match and has been replaced by Sam Anderson-Heather as back-up to Codie Taylor.
In total, 19 of the Crusaders’ matchday 23 named for this Saturday, were also involved in last year’s final against the same opposition in Johannesburg.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor
Date: Saturday, August 4
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Glen Jackson, Nic Berry
TMO: Shane McDermott