Jordan Taufua set to become the first Pacific Islander to notch up 100 games for the Crusaders

The Crusaders have named their side to face the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Semi Final on Saturday with Head Coach Scott Robertson naming an unchanged side from the team that took the field in their 38-14 Quarter Final victory over the Highlanders.

The match day side includes 27-year old loose forward Jordan Taufua, who has been named on the bench for this game in what will be his 100th appearance for the Crusaders. Tim Perry, who was ruled out of last week's Quarter Final, is once again unavailable for this match due to an arm injury. 

Robertson said the team has shown the Hurricanes plenty of respect with their preparation for the Semi Final: "We've really enjoyed this week, the group came in excited to have earned another opportunity to play at home, and we've prepared accordingly for this quality Hurricanes side. They're well-coached, with genuine attacking threats across the park, so we know there is a massive challenge ahead of us this weekend.

"We're also really proud of Jordan, who'll become the 18th Crusader to play 100 games for the club. He's been a loyal Crusader for a number of years now and sharing this milestone with him on Saturday night will certainly add to the occasion for our squad, and our fans. 

"The game has been well supported, and we're going to need every single one of our fans to get behind this team on Saturday night - we look forward to seeing them there in numbers!" Robertson said. 

Back rower, Jordan Taufua will become the first Pacific Islander to play 100 games for the Crusaders if he appears from the bench with the Auckland-born loose forward, who is of Samoan heritage but switched allegiance to New Zealand in 2012 when he played for the under-20s, having played 99 Super Rugby games and once against the Bristish and Irish Lions.

Taufua is set to join Leicester Tigers at the end of the season and if the Crusaders are to reach the final it will be his 100th Super Rugby game.

Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes: