Richie Mo'unga's absence from the Crusaders should be offset by the exciting new midfield combination named for this week's Super Rugby clash with the Sharks.
The All Blacks first-five, who re-committed to NZ Rugby last week, will miss his second game of the season due to international player welfare protocols.
The omens aren't great - his previous absence coincided with the champions' lone loss to the Waratahs.
"That was a really, really bad loss, actually," reflects Newshub rugby guru John Day. "But I'm really excited about this midfield, which I think we'll see a lot more of in 2020."
With All Black Ryan Crotty spelled this week, coach Scott Robertson has paired up-and-comers Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor in the centres, with Goodhue wearing the unfamiliar number-12 jersey.
"This is their future midfield, with Crotty going to Japan next season," says fellow Newshub rugbyhead Ollie Ritchie. "Ennor is very comfortable at 13, but Goodhue is in a relatively new position."
Day holds no worries over his ability to adjust.
"They say a good '13' should be able to cover at '12' as well and Jack Goodhue has made every post a winner. I see he has the vice-captaincy as well, so they're going to turn him into a bit of a leader for the Crusaders."
Watch the full video, as our experts forecast a bumper weekend of Super Rugby, with all five New Zealand teams in action, including a derby between the Highlanders and Chiefs in Dunedin.
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