Todd leads Crusaders in Wellington
A home quarterfinal is already secured, but the result of this weekend's game will help to determine whether the Crusaders will host the Sharks or the Highlanders at AMI Stadium next Saturday.
Head coach Scott Robertson has named some of the All Blacks who have returned from the British and Irish Lions tour this week, including Wyatt Crockett at No.1, Luke Romano and Scott Barrett at lock, Kieran Read at No.8, Israel Dagg at fullback and Sam Whitelock on the bench.
Matt Todd and Jack Goodhue, who were included as injury cover in the All Blacks squad, will also take starting spots and Todd will captain the team.
Jerseys No.11 and No.12 will be filled by two of the award winners from Tuesday's Crusaders Awards evening. Wing George Bridge was named the 'Crusaders Rookie of the Year', while inside centre David Havili was named the 'Crusaders Player of the Year'. A new award – the 'Champion Crusader of the Year' – was presented to Tim Bateman in recognition of his outstanding off-field and on-field contribution to the team.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Sean Wainui.
Date: Saturday, July 15
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
