Crusaders Head Coach, Scott Robertson has made three changes to in their forwards and two in the backs from the side that defeated the Blues last week ahead of their quarterfinal game against the Sharks tonight.
All Blacks front‑rowers Codie Taylor and Owen Franks return to the starting line‑up at hooker and tighthead respectively, meaning Andrew Makalio and Michael Alaalatoa move to the reserves bench.
Scott Barrett also returns from a rest week to resume his role at lock, and Luke Romano will once again provide cover on the bench.
The loose forward trio of Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, and Kieran Read remains unchanged this week, with Read having recovered from the wrist/thumb injury he sustained against the Blues.
Bryn Hall will start at halfback and Mitchell Drummond moves to the bench.
The only other change sees David Havili rejoin the squad at fullback in place of Israel Dagg.
Defending champions, Crusaders will meet the Sharks at 7.35 tonight, the Waratahs will host the Highlanders at 10.05 tonight while the Lions face the Jaguares at 1.05am tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have secured a semifinal spot after a 32-31 win over the Chiefs last night.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tim Perry
Substitutes: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John‑Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Makazole Mapimpi.
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