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The Crusaders travel to Fiji to face the improving Fijian Drua. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 2:35pm (AEDT).
Captain Scott Barrett will bring up a century of games for the club – he debuted in 2014 in an exhibition match against England.
Willi Heinz returns after a stint overseas while David Havili returns to the mid field. The Crusaders have three likely debutants on the bench – front rowers Ioane Moananu and Kershawl Sykes-Martin and backline replacement Taha Kemara.
All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Richie Mo’unga and Leicester Fainga’anuku have been rested, while midfielder Jack Goodhue (groin) and hooker Brodie McAlister (head) are injured.
Crusaders assistant coach Scott Hansen said: “Some boys will be making their debut, and others will be playing their first game for the Crusaders for awhile. We’re excited for all those boys and their families.”
The Drua have given a starting debut for international winger Eroni Sau, while there is a potential debut for flyhalf Kemu Valetini, and the return of club captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
Nicknamed “the sledgehammer”, Sau was a ‘Drua original’, playing for the NRC Drua team which won Australia’s National Rugby Championship title in 2018. He brings with him top level experience, having played for the Flying Fijians and Edinburgh in Europe.
Game information
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Venue: Churchill Park, Fiji Kick-off: 2:35pm (AEDT) Streaming:Stan Sport Betting: Fijian Drua $14, Crusaders $1.04 – odds via PlayUp
Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Quentin MacDonald, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.
