New captain for Crusaders
Fourth-season Crusader Jimmy Tupou will step into the captaincy role for the first time, leading a squad of 28 that includes eight uncapped Super Rugby players and a further five players who are yet to earn a Crusaders cap.
In the front row Alex Hodgman will pack down with new squad member Mike Alaalatoa, and Ged Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the hooker role.
A hugely experienced pack including Codie Taylor, Ben Funnell and Joe Moody will be waiting on the bench, and young prop Oliver Jager may also get his chance to test himself out at Super Rugby level.
Luke Romano and Scott Barrett pair up at lock, with Sam Whitelock and Mitchell Dunshea providing cover.
Tim Boys and Jordan Taufua join Jimmy Tupou in the loose forwards, and Reed Prinsep will be looking for a run off the bench.
Leon Fukofuka will make his debut at scrumhalf, with Mitchell Drummond ready to take the reins from the reserves.
Ben Volavola and Richie Mo'unga will both get a chance to play at flyhalf, with Volavola in the starting spot and Mo'unga in the reserves.
Marty McKenzie, meanwhile, will bring some useful experience to the fullback position.
The remainder of the backline will be made up of Jone Macilai and the uncapped Sione Fifita on the wings, plus David Havili and debutant Sean Wainui in the midfield.
Kieron Fonotia, Mitchell Hunt, Johnny McNicholl and Nemani Nadolo will all be preparing to add some firepower from the bench.
Crusaders: 15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Sean Wainui, 12 David Havili, 11 Sione Fifita, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Leon Fukofuka, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jimmy Tupou (captain), 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements – from: Codie Taylor, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Oliver Jager, Samuel Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Reed Prinsep, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, Kieron Fonotia, Mitchell Hunt, Johnny McNicholl, Nemani Nadolo.
Date: Saturday, February 6
Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.30 (22:30 NZ time; 11.30 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffman (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
BNZ Crusaders Captains Confirmed!
And the 2016 BNZ Crusaders Captain is….. and the Vice Captain is…. #cantwaitforthevideointerntostart #crusadeon
Posted by BNZ Crusaders on Thursday, 21 January 2016
