Crusaders team to face Waratahs

Scott Barrett returns to the Crusaders starting lineup and assumes the captaincy as well for his side's clash against the Waratahs in Sydney. Barrett will be joined by Quintin Strange in the second-row

Michael Alaalatoa is preferred ahead of Oli Jager while, on the side of the scrum, Blackadder makes way for Sione Havili Talitui. 

After being with the squad since the commencement of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021, Nathan Vella is finally set to make his debut, filling in for Codie Taylor at hooker.