Cape Town - Fullback David Havili will captain the Crusaders in their Super Rugby derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch on Friday.
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The only changes to the champions' starting team this week are up front, with regular captain Scott Barrett (knee) and Oli Jager (concussion) both ruled out with injury.
Luke Romano and Michael Alaalatoa come into the starting side at lock and tighthead prop respectively. Isi Tu'ungafasi moves into the match-day team and will wear the No 17 jersey.
Havili's elevation to the captaincy means Codie Taylor and Jack Goodhue will be the vice-captains for this game.
Will Jordan (groin injury) has also been ruled out, with Leicester Faingaanuku coming in on the bench.
Meanwhile, Ethan Roots is set to become Crusader No 241 on Friday, if called on to make his Super Rugby debut.
Kick-off is at 08:05 (SA time) on Friday.
Teams:
Crusaders
15 David Havili (captain), 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Substitutes: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 18 George Bower, 19 Ethan Roots, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Michell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku
Highlanders
15 Michael Collins, 14 Kirisi Kuridrani, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Josh Ioane, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 James Lentjes (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone
Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Conan O’Donnell, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Teihorangi Walden, 23 Josh McKay
- TEAMtalk media