Head Coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side and one positional change for their round four match against the Highlanders on Saturday 4 July at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin 09:05 SA time. The Crusaders are unbeaten after two matches in the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa series.
Will Jordan moves to the right-wing this week to make way for Vice-Captain, David Havili, to slot in at fullback. Further changes at the back see Mitch Drummond start at scrumhalf and Leicester Faingaanuku on the left-wing as Bryn Hall and George Bridge will be rested,
The tight five remains unchanged for this game, while there are two changes in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace underwent surgery on Tuesday for a fracture at the base of his right thumb, which sees Ethan Blackadder start in his place. 22 -year-old Tom Christie also earns a start this week, for Billy Harmon at openside flanker.
Fetuli Paea should make his debut from the bench. Also included in the reserves is Oli Jager, who was a late withdrawal from the side last week with a back complaint and is now fully fit to return to the 23.
Following their successful return from injury to play club rugby last week, Andrew Makalio and Quinten Strange have both been named in the reserves for the first time in Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa, and make a welcome return to face the Highlanders.
Team: 15. David Havili (VC), 14. Will Jordan, 13. Braydon Ennor, 12. Jack Goodhue, 11. Leicester Faingaanuku, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC), 7. Tom Christie, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 5. Mitchell Dunshea, 4. Samuel Whitelock, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 2. Codie Taylor (C), 1. Joe Moody. Replacements: 16. Andrew Makalio, 17. George Bower, 18. Oliver Jager, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Sione Havili, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Fetuli Paea, 23. Sevu Reece.