Mo'unga fills Carter's boots
Mo'unga will wear the red and black No.10 jersey made famous by All Black great Daniel Carter. He is one of three Crusader debutants in the run-on XV
Loose forward Tim Boys and centre Sean Wainui are the other new faces in the team.
It is an experienced front row of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks that will take the field, with more valuable experience on the bench in the form of Wyatt Crockett and Ben Funnell. Mike Alaalatoa may get his opportunity to make his Crusaders debut off the bench too.
Sam Whitelock will captain the side and partner up with Scott Barrett at lock, while Jimmy Tupou provides cover.
The loose forward trio holds 199 caps between them, although it will be Boys' first in red and black. The uncapped Reed Prinsep has been given the nod as loose forward cover.
Halfback Andy Ellis will provide some vital experience for the backline, and Leon Fukofuka is another player preparing to make his debut off the bench.
Crusaders debutant Ben Volavola will cover Mo'unga at flyhalf, while Kieron Fonotia takes the second five spot.
David Havili starts at fullback, Fijian flyers Nemani Nadolo and Jone Macilai start on the wings, and Johnny McNicholl will be ready to make an impact off the bench.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Sean Wainui, 12 Kieron Fonotia, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Johnny McNicholl.
Date: Saturday, February 27
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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