The Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has included six All Blacks in his starting fifteen to take on the British and Irish Lions in Christchurch on Saturday.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson Photo: Photosport
He's named an All Black tight five of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock, while Israel Dagg is at fullback.
Wyatt Crocket is in the reserves.
Crusaders and All Blacks Wyatt Crocket and Israel Dagg Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Crusaders are unbeaten with 14 wins at the top of the Super Rugby standings.
Robertson said the team is under no illusions about how tough this British and Irish Lions team will be.
"This is a huge and exciting challenge for us. We are facing some of the best rugby players in the world, but we have some of the world's best in this team too, so it will be a fantastic clash.
"No matter how it unfolds, this will be a game that the players involved will remember as one of the special moments in their careers. Not that many players get the opportunity to play in a British and Irish Lions tour, and to do that in front of a sellout crowd at AMI Stadium in our Crusaders colours is going to be an awesome occasion for the team and for the fans in the stands," Robertson said.
The only changes to the team that beat the HIghlanders last weekend are a rotation at halfback with Bryn Hall starting and Mitchell Drummond on the bench; a switch to second five for David Havili with Israel Dagg coming in at fullback; and Tim Bateman coming in via the bench.
Crusaders team to play the British & Irish Lions:
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Jordan Taufua
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. David Havili
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. Israel Dagg
RESERVES
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Quinten Strange
20. Jed Brown
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Tim Bateman
