Reece and Mo'unga return for must win clash

The Crusaders have named Sevu Reece, George Bower and Manasa Mataele in a must win game against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

Reece and Bower have been named to start while Mataele will come off the bench.

Richie Mo'unga will return to the side after being rested against the Western Force last week while Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, David Havili, Braydon Ennor and Will Jordan have also been included in a strong run on side.

The Crusaders, Highlanders and leaders Blues are all in a close battle for a place in next weeks Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final.

The Blues are on 19 points while the Highlanders and the Crusaders have 18 points.

However the Highlanders have a slightly better points differential than the Crusaders.

This week the Hurricanes will take on the Reds at 7.05pm tomorrow the Highlanders will meet the Brumbies at 9.45pm tomorrow, the Rebels will host the Crusaders at 4:35pm Saturday, the Blues will take on Western Force at 7.05pm Saturday and the Waratahs will face the Chiefs at 9.45pm Saturday.