Mataele returns while Reece drops to the bench

Manasa Mataele returns to the Crusaders line-up when they face their old rivals the Brumbies in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

He will be joined in the starting line up by George Bower while Sevu Reece who scored a try in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final drops to the bench.

The champion side have also included Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Bryn Hall, George Bridge, David Havili and Codie Taylor in their run on side.

The Crusaders face the Brumbies at 7.05pm Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman begins with the Highlanders vs Reds match at 7.05pm tomorrow.