All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga will reclaim the Crusaders No.10 jersey, as the three-time defending champions seek to avoid back-to-back Super Rugby losses.
The test incumbent missed last week's loss to the Chiefs with knee and groin injuries, with regular fullback David Havili moving to the pivot position.
While Havili made a fine fist of the new role, but will revert back to the No.15 jersey against the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
"Last week, [Mo'unga] was pretty keen to play, but we made the decision for him that the best thing was to make sure, with the combination of injuries, we give him that extra week," says Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
"He's good to go."
Bryn Hall will replace Mitch Drummond at halfback, while Cullen Grace joins the loose forward trio, with Tom Sanders shifting to No.8 to replace injured Whetu Douglas.
Crusaders: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Oli Jager, 4-Scott Barrett, 5-Mitch Dunshea, 6-Cullen Grace, 7-Tom Christie, 8-Tom Sanders, 9-Bryn Hall, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Jack Goodhue, 13-Braydon Ennor, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-David Havili
Reserves: 16-Andrew Makalio, 17-George Bower, 18-Michael Alaalatoa, 19-Luke Romano, 20-Sione Havili, 21-Mitch Drummond, 22-Brett Cameron, 23-Will Jordan
More to come
