All Black returns for Crusaders
The Crusaders have named their team ahead of their week four clash with the Hurricanes.
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.
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.