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The Crusaders have named their team ahead of their week four clash with the Hurricanes.
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The most significant change to Scott Robertson’s side is the only backline change, with Mitchell Hunt set to start in the No 10 jersey after Richie Mo’unga suffered a fractured jaw against the Stormers last week.
One-test All Black Mike Delany provides cover on the bench in his first appearance of the season.
There are two changes to the Crusaders’ loose forward trio, with vice-captain and All Black Matt Todd returns to the openside, while Heiden Bedwell-Curtis starts at blind in place of Pete Samu.
Todd’s inclusion is something of a surprise after he was ruled out with a fractured thumb he suffered just one week earlier.
Billy Harmon, who earned his first run-on appearance last week through Todd’s absence, returns to the bench.
The only other change is Ben Funnell backing up Codie Taylor on the bench.
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The Crusaders have had a perfect start to their season so far, beating the Chiefs 45-23 and the Stormers 45-28 in their first two fixtures.
CRUSADERS
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Sam Whitelock (C), 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 7. Matt Todd (VC), 8. Jordan Taufua, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Mitchell Hunt, 11. George Bridge, 12. Ryan Crotty (VC), 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Seta Tamanivalu, 15. David Havili.
Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Chris King, 18. Oliver Jager, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Billy Harmon, 21. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Mike Delany, 23. Manasa Mataele.
