Nine current or former All Blacks and an ex England international have been named in Canterbury's NPC squad for 2022.
Here's how the Crusaders rated in their Super Rugby Pacific victory over Moana Pasifika in Dunedin on Friday.
Having shifted south to the Crusaders, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is hoping to reignite his career.
Three All Blacks will make their first appearances for the Crusaders this season when the competition-leaders take on new side Moana Pasifika on Friday night.
Despite making a whopping 10 changes to his starting lineup this week, Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson says he is treating Moana Pasifika with the upmost respect this weekend.
Crusaders stars Richie Mo'unga and Codie Tayor will both be available for selection this weekend when their side face Moana Pasifika this weekend.
The Hurricanes have squeezed a 27-24 victory over a Crusaders team laden with returning All Blacks after a stunning last passage of play in the final pre-season hit out in Queenstown.
The Crusaders arrived in Queenstown yesterday where they are currently preparing for their final pre-season hit out against the Hurricanes, before the Super Rugby Pacific season officially kicks off next weekend.
Los Pumas star Pablo Matera will join ex-All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo in making his first appearance for the Crusaders against the Highlanders in Oamaru on Friday.
The Crusaders may have taken a few hits in the forwards in the Super Rugby off-season but they'll once again start the year with unparalleled depth in the backline.