Crusaders get some serious firepower back
Coach Scott Robertson made three changes in the forward pack and four in the backs, as well as a positional change – which sees Seta Tamanivalu shift from the left to the right wing.
The matchday 23 includes three players – Richie Mo'unga, Jack Goodhue and Mitchell Dunshea – who will make their return from injury this week.
In the front row, Wyatt Crockett comes in to the starting team for what will be his 195th Super Rugby appearance, in place of injured loosehead prop Tim Perry.
Twenty-year-old Harry Allan provides cover on the bench, having made his debut less than two weeks ago against the Sunwolves.
At hooker Andrew Makalio and Codie Taylor rotate for this game, so that Makalio takes the starting spot.
At blindside flank, Melbourne-born Pete Samu earns a start this week, and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis has been named in the reserves.
In the backline, Mitchell Drummond will wear the No.9 jersey against the Rebels and Bryn Hall provides cover on the bench, while Richie Mo'unga returns at first five-eighth having recovered from the fractured jaw he suffered back in Round Three.
A reshuffle in the outside backs sees Seta Tamanivalu moves from the left to right wing this week in place of Israel Dagg, and George Bridge comes on to the left wing.
Jack Goodhue is also set to make his return from injury and will slot in at centre.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Pete Samu, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele.
Date: Friday, May 4
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.45 (21.45 NZ time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: Will Houston, James Leckie
TMO: Ian Smith
