The Fiji Airways and Fiji Link pilots have swapped their regular black and gold shoulder pieces on their uniforms for red and black bars to support Setareki Tamanivalu and the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final on Sunday morning.
The Crusaders are also boosted by the news that Kieran Read and Owen Franks will be fit to face the Lions in front of 62,000 hostile fans at Ellis Park.
Tamanivalu will start on the wing with Israel Dagg while David Havili will start at fullback.
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar noted that having watched the Hurricane blow a 22‑3 lead and lose 44‑29 at Ellis Park in the semi, the Crusaders accept they must play smart at 1700m above sea level.
A monumental defensive effort against the Chiefs saved them at AMI Stadium; forced to make in excess of 200 tackles, the Crusaders were able to survive off scraps of possession and limited territory.
The Lions will host the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final at 2am Sunday.
CRUSADERS:
David Havili, Israel Dagg, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Seta Tamanivalu, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, George Bridge.
Source: stuff.co
