One of New Zealand's premier rugby players returns to the park in this weekend's Super Rugby action.
Sam Whitelock has been named in a star-studded Crusaders line-up that travels to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders on Saturday night.
The All Blacks vice-captain hasn't played since the end-of-year-tour wrapped up in November, rested for the opening month of Super Rugby.
Whitelock will captain a formidable-looking side that includes 12 capped All Black internationals.
Scott Barrett will partner Whitelock in the second-row, while prop George Bower will debut, with injured Joe Moody set for an extended stint on the sidelines.
All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor starts for the first time in 2019, between Bower and Owen Franks, who will make his 150th Crusaders appearance.
Bryn Hall replaces Ereatara Enaro in the number nine jersey, partnering Richie Mo'unga, while George Bridge returns to the starting side on the left wing.
David Havilli comes in for the impressive Will Jordan, who shifts to the bench for the Forsyth Barr Stadium clash.
Crusaders: 1-George Bower, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Owen Franks, 4-Scott Barrett, 5-Sam Whitelock (c), 6-Jordan Taufua, 7-Matt Todd (vc), 8-Whetu Douglas, 9-Bryn Hall, 10-Richie Mo'unga. 11-George Bridge, 12-Ryan Crotty (vc), 13-Jack Goodhue, 14-Braydon Ennor, 15-David Havili
Reserves: 16-Andrew Makalio, 17-Harry Allan, 18-Michael Alaalatoa, 19-Quinten Strange, 20-Tom Sanders, 21-Ereatara Enari, 22-Brett Cameron, 23-Will Jordan
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Join us for live updates of the Crusaders vs Highlanders from 7:30pm Saturday.