The Crusaders will welcome back lynchpin Richie Mo'unga when they take on the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday night.
The All Black first-five hasn't played since breaking his jaw against the Stormers in round three.
Also returning is centre Jack Goodhue who has spent four weeks on the sidelines nursing a hamstring strain.
The additions further bolster the streaking southern side, who have been in sublime form in recent weeks as they sit atop the Super Rugby standings.
It's been a long time coming for Mo'unga, who's itching to get back on the pitch.
"Sort of feels like my first tour away, I'm like a little kid in a candy shop, I'm excited and I'm ready to go, it's been nine weeks now so I've been thinking and visualising this moment for a long time," Mo'unga told media on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old's broken jaw meant he was unable to eat any solid foods, resulting in an alarming weight loss and some testing times as he worked his way back to full health.
"To go through an injury like that is pretty tough and to not be able to eat solids for five weeks took a toll on my body weight, I lost five kgs within the first week.
"It's something you've got to be positive about or else it's quite draining".
Coach Scott Robertson recognised his return would be a significant boost for his side.
"It's outstanding, he's a great young man," said Robertson.
"He's worked hard, he's been patient. He's got it all sorted...it's like his first game again."
Meanwhile there are no further updates on fullback Israel Dagg's knee injury, Robertson confident his absence would only be a matter of a few weeks.
Crusaders: 1. Crockett, 2. Makailo, 3. Franks, 4. Barrett, 5. S. Whitelock (c) 6. Samu, 7. Todd, 8. Taufua, 9. Drummond, 10. Mo'unga, 11. Bridge, 12. Crotty, 13. Goodhue, 14. Tamanivalu, 15. Havili
Reserves: 16. Taylor, 17. Allan, 18. Alaatoa, 19. Dunshea, 20. Bedwell-Curtis, 21. Hall, 22. Hunt, 23. Mataele
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