Update: 6:30PM All Blacks great Dan Carter will come off the reserve bench for the Crusaders in their pre-season game against the Hurricanes in Eketahuna on Saturday.
The veteran first five-eighth is one of the few All Blacks from either team to play the game two weeks before the Super Rugby season begins.
Carter faces a season-long fight to reclaim the New Zealand first-choice No.10 jersey after two years battling injuries and gets a first chance to show his wares in the traditional January fixture.
Utility back Tom Taylor and tight forwards Luke Romano, Dominic Bird and Joe Moody are among the All Blacks who will start the game.
Hooker Brayden Mitchell, lock Geoff Cridge and wings Jason Woodward and Vince Aso will get their first starts for the Hurricanes.
Their new coach Chris Boyd says the game will serve an important purpose.
“It’s a good chance to identify things that might need some extra focus before we head to Africa, and it’s obviously an opportunity for the guys to put their hands up and work towards securing a spot on that tour.”
TEAMS
Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Rey Lee-Lo, Jason Woodward, James Marshall, Frae Wilson, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brayden Mitchell, Ben Franks. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Reggie Goodes, Chris Eves, Tolu Fahamokioa, Mike Kainga, Vaea Fifita, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Heiden Bidwell-Curtis, Jamie Booth, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo, Ope Peleseuma
Crusaders: Richie Mo’unga, Nafi Tuitavake, Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Billy Guyton, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd (capt), Jordan Taufua, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Ged Robinson, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Blair Prinsep, Luke Whitelock, Jack Stratton, Tom Sanders, Dan Carter, Jed Brown, Scott Barrett, Alex Hodgman, Nathaniel Apa, David Havilli, Rob Thompson, George Bridge.
