Crusaders captain David Havili and hooker Codie Taylor make their returns to the starting lineup this week, with Leicester Fainga’anuku named to start at openside flanker.
On Friday night, the Crusaders will run out at One New Zealand Stadium for the very first time, welcoming the Waratahs to Christchurch as Super Round arrives in the city.
This week is about more than just rugby; it’s about finally opening the doors to a place 14 years in the making and giving Cantabrians a permanent home again.
Head coach Rob Penney says the excitement has been building inside the group, with the occasion already showing in the way the team has prepared.
Penney says it has been a long wait, but there is a real buzz about the place, and that usually tells you the boys are looking forward to unleashing.
For Fainga’anuku, stepping inside for the first time reinforces what the moment means for the region.
In the backs, Johnny McNicholl remains at fullback as Will Jordan continues his return from injury, while Taha Kemara starts at first five‑eighth.
After a challenging couple of weeks on the road, the Crusaders are clear on what they want to deliver at home – a performance that reflects who they are and what this jersey means.
For Penney, success on Friday night will be measured by more than just what happens on the field.
Finlay Brewis, Taylor, and Fletcher Newell are in the front row.
Antonio Shalfoon and Tahlor Cahill are at locks with Dom Gardiner and Fainga’anuku at loose forwards, while Christian Lio‑Willie is at No.8.
Noah Hotham is at halfback with Taha Kemara at first five-eighth.
Havili and Braydon Ennor are in the midfield, while the back three is made up of Macca Springer, Sevu Reece, and Johnny McNicholl.
Providing impact from the bench are George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, and Dallas McLeod.
The Crusaders play the Waratahs at 7.35pm Friday.
In other games, the Hurricanes will meet the Brumbies at 5.05pm Saturday, the Blues play the Reds at 7.35pm, the Highlanders will face Moana Pasifika at 2pm Sunday, while the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Chiefs at 4.30.
