Crusaders unchanged for semi against Chiefs
It is the third time in Super Rugby history that these two teams have faced off in a semifinal, and the Chiefs have come out the victors on both of those previous occasions.
But Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson says this is a different time and different circumstances.
"They used their home-ground advantage on those occasions, but this time we have earned the chance to play in front of our own supporters and that means a lot to us.
"To see so many of our supporters still come out to the game last weekend in such miserable conditions was humbling, so that is even more motivation for the team to put on a performance to make the fans proud this Saturday night," Robertson said.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Seta Tamanivalu, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 George Bridge.
Date: Saturday, July 29
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
