Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made five personnel changes and a positional switch to his starting XV for their match against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

In the back division, wings Sevu Reece and George Bridge and scrumhalf Bryn Hall have been left out of the run-on lineup, with Reece moving to the bench and Bridge and Hall being rested for the match altogether.

David Havili comes in for Reece, but he will start at fullback with Will Jordan moving to right wing. Leicester Fainga’anuku replaces Bridge at left wing and Mitch Drummond takes Hall’s spot.

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There are two changes up front, both in the loose trio. Flanks Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie come in for Cullen Grace (injured) and Billy Harmon.

It will be the first match between Crusaders and Highlanders since 2018 after their 2019 fixture was abandoned.

Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Fetuli Paea, 23 Sevu Reece.

Teams: Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU

Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images