Crusaders field the big guns
This is the first time that Fiji will host a Super Rugby encounter and there is added significance to the encounter as it doubles as a clash between the top two teams in the New Zealand conference.
The Crusaders have seven returning All Blacks are at near full strength with Ryan Crotty and Luke Romano being the only omissions due to injury. Their omissions have paved the way for Mitchell Hunt and Jed Brown to possibly make their debuts from the replacements' bench, as coach Todd Blackadder has included the duo in the matchday 23.
As it stands, the Crusaders hold a three point advantage over the Chiefs after 12 matches, with the Christchurch-based franchise boasting 10 victories while the Waikato-based franchise are close behind with nine.
However, the Chiefs have scored more points (403) than the Crusaders (379) but have conceded more as well – 298 to the Crusaders' 233.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Sean Wainui.
Date: Friday, July 1
Venue: National Stadium, Suva, Fiji
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
