Scott Robertson has made several changes to his Crusaders lineup for their game against the Highlanders in Christchurch on Sunday. 

All Blacks loosehead prop Joe Moody returns to the starting side this week, having missed the match against the Chiefs in Hamilton due to a family bereavement, while vice-captain Whetu Douglas and centre Braydon Ennor have come through training this week to make their respective returns from injury.

Douglas’ return at number eight sees Tom Sanders move back to the flank, and Sione Havili takes a spot in the reserves.

The promotion of Quinten Strange to the starting side is the only other change in the pack, with Luke Romano providing cover on the bench and Mitchell Dunshea rested for this game.

Ennor’s inclusion in the midfield is one of only two changes in the backline, with Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond rotating so that Hall starts at scrumhalf and Drummond will provide important impact off the bench.

Crusaders – 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku.

Photo: Getty Images