All Blacks prop back for Crusaders

Christchurch - All Blacks prop Joe Moody has been named in the Crusaders' starting line-up for their Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs at AMI Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 07:15 SA time).

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an all-new front row this week, which features the return of Moody alongside Codie Taylor and Michael Alaalatoa.

Moody is yet to play a Super Rugby game in 2018 due to injury but made a successful return to club rugby last weekend and steps in to the starting side to face the Waratahs.

Wyatt Crockett and Andrew Makalio take spots on the bench, while Owen Franks has been rested this week and Donald Brighouse has been named to provide tighthead cover.

Newly re-signed lock Scott Barrett will once again partner captain Sam Whitelock in the second row, while the loose forward trio of Pete Samu, Matt Todd and Jordan Taufua also remains unchanged.

Bryn Hall is the starting scrumhalf for this game and, following their successful return from injury in Melbourne, flyhalf Richie Mo'unga and centre Jack Goodhue have retained their places in the starting team this week.

Vice-captain Ryan Crotty, who also announced his re-signing with the Crusaders this week, has been rested for this game, allowing Tim Bateman to step in to the midfield alongside Goodhue.

Powerful wing Manasa Mataele joins his uncle, Seta Tamanivalu, in the starting XV to take on the Waratahs, with both players getting the nod on the left and right wings respectively.

George Bridge drops back to fullback for this match, having started on the left wing against the Rebels in Melbourne.

Teams:

Crusaders

15 George Bridge, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Pete Samu, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Donald Brighouse, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Waratahs

15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Will Miller, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson

Substitutes: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Bryce Hegarty