Todd Blackadder is starting some of his big guns with star wing Nemani Nadolo and ex-All Black Matt Todd confirmed for the Crusaders’ friendly with the Highlanders in Oamaru on Thursday.
The All Blacks are away, but Blackadder will have regular pack members Todd, Jordan Taufua and young lock Scott Barrett in the starting line-up.
Lock Jimmy Tupou will captain the Crusaders while Alex Hodgman, Ben Funnell and Mike Alaalatoa will form the front row with Blackadder’s All Blacks absent.
Reed Prinsep returns at blindside flanker where he started the Super Rugby campaign.
The backline features many of the Crusaders’ Super Rugby regulars, including Richie Mo’unga, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Nadolo and his fellow Fijian Jone Macilai.
Utility Marty McKenzie takes over at fullback from All Black Israel Dagg and Mitchell Drummond will be at halfback with ex-All Black Andy Ellis rested.
Blackadder has selected 25 players with rolling substitutions permitted.
The reserves include former New Zealand under-20 centre Jack Goodhue and flanker Jed Brown, who have both overcome serious knee injuries.
The bench is bolstered by wider training group and Crusaders academy players.
