All Blacks back in force for Crusaders

Jul 13, 2017 - 7:02 AM The Crusaders have welcomed back a host of All Blacks for Saturday's crunch Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Fresh off their drawn Test series with the British and Irish Lions, Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Wyatt Crockett and Scott Barrett will all start, while Sam Whitelock will be on the bench.

Fringe All Blacks including Luke Romano, Matt Todd and Jack Goodhue have also been named in Scott Robertson's starting XV.

Front-rowers Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor have been rested, while Ryan Crotty continues to nurse a hamstring issue.

While a home quarter-final is already assured for the unbeaten Crusaders, only a victory against the Hurricanes will guarantee a home grand final on August 5, should the Crusaders make it that far.

They sit on 63 points after 14 games, with the Johannesburg-based Lions - who will play the Sharks this weekend - on 61 points.

A victory will also help the Christchurch-based side avoid a South Island quarter-final derby with the Highlanders.

Meanwhile, George Bridge and David Havili will start against the Hurricanes after winning Crusaders rookie of the year and player of the year on Tuesday at the club's awards ceremony.

CRUSADERS:

Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd (capt), Jordan Taufua, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Michael Alaalatoa, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett.

Res: Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry, Oliver Jager, Sam Whitelock, Jed Brown, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Sean Wainui.

Source: AAP