Defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champion, the Crusaders have named a formidable side to take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their quarter final clash this Saturday.
Oliver Jager returns to the starting line-up at prop after an unlucky knee infection had him sidelined, and this will be his first start of the season.
Jager is joined by Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor in the front row, while Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Sione Talitui, Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie will bring strength in the tight five.
Mitch Drummond will start at halfback, with Richie Mo’unga at 10.
Leicester Fainga’anuku starts at left wing, Dallas McLeod at right wing, while Will Jordan controls the field from fullback.
Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor start in the midfield.
The Drua will meet the Crusaders at 7.05pm Saturday.
In other quarter finals, the Blues will host the Waratahs at 7.35pm tomorrow, the Chiefs will take on the Reds at 4.35pm Saturday and the Brumbies will play the Hurricanes at 9.35pm Saturday.
Crusaders line-up
Tamaiti Williams Codie Taylor (VC) Oliver Jager Scott Barrett Quinten Strange Sione Havili Talitui Tom Christie Christian Lio-Willie Mitchell Drummond Richie Mo’unga Leicester Fainga’anuku Jack Goodhue Braydon Ennor Dallas McLeod Will Jordan
Brodie McAlister Kershawl Sykes-Martin Reuben O’Neill Zach Gallagher Ethan Blackadder Willi Heinz Fergus Burke Chay Fihaki
