Richie Mo'unga set for milestone match against Moana Pasifika

Playmaker Richie Mo’unga will play his 100^th match in Crusaders colours on Friday night when the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions take on Moana Pasifika in Christchurch.

Mo’unga will raise the bat for the Crusaders later this week when he runs out onto the same stadium he debuted at seven years ago.

Since making his debut in the opening round of the 2016 season against the Chiefs, Mo’unga has led the decorated franchise to six titles in as many years.

The 44-Test All Black is set to leave the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby behind after this year’s World Cup after inking a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.

Ahead of his milestone match, the 28-year-old said that he always wanted to play 100 matches for the famous franchise.

“Ever since I walked through those doors at Rugby Park and saw how celebrated centurions are, it was pretty clear I wanted to be one myself,” Mo’unga said in a statement.

Mo’unga’s milestone headlines a star-studded team naming for the Crusaders, as the title holders welcome back a number of players from injury stints.

Quinten Strange will replace Scott Barrett in the No. 4 jersey this week, while Macca Springer and Jack Goodhue have also been named to return.

Finlay Brewis and All Black David Havili are also available this week, and will be ready if called upon after being selected on the Crusaders’ bench.

“It’s awesome to have those guys back,” coach Scott Robertson said.

“Moana are power athletes and when they get it right, they’re dangerous.

“Tamati Ellison ahs been really clear about what we need to achieve defensively, so we’ll be showing them the respect they deserve by preparing well.”

After beating the Reds in Brisbane last week, the Crusaders have made seven changes to their starting XV to take on Moana Pasifika.

Other than Quinten Strange at lock, Corey Kellow is the only other change in the forward pack – with the 21-year-old set to start in the coveted No. 7 jersey.

Mitchell Drummond has returned to the run-on side this week, and will partner milestone man Mo’unga in the halves.

In-form utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku will join Goodhue in the midfield after shifting to outside centre from the left wing.

Macca Springer and Will Gualter have been included in a new-look outside back trio this week – the latter being handed his first start for the Crusaders.

Crusaders team to take on Moana Pasifika

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tamaiti Williams
4. Quinten Strange
5. Dominic Gardiner
6. Sione Havili Talitui
7. Corey Kellow
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Macca Springer
12. Jack Goodhue
13. Leicester Fainga’anuku
14. Will Gualter
15. Fergus Burke

Replacements:

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Finlay Brewis
18. Seb Calder
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Tom Christie
21. Willi Heinz
22. David Havili
23. Melani Nanai