Scott Robertson names a largely unchanged team for his 100th game in charge

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson is taking a largely unchanged lineup into Friday night’s massive Semi-Final clash against the Chiefs in Christchurch.

With openside flanker Ethan Blackadder ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season after dislocating his shoulder in the Quarter Final, Tom Christie is the only new face in the run-on team to face the Chiefs this week.

Christie's promotion to the starting side means Corey Kellow gets an opportunity in the reserves, while Tamaiti Williams retains his spot on the bench this week, having stepped in after Finlay Brewis was a late withdrawal from the Reds match.

Friday night's fixture will double as a special milestone match as well, with Scott Robertson and Forwards Coach, Jase Ryan, both bringing up their 100th game as Super Rugby coaches. The duo's first match in charge was the opening fixture of the 2017 season against the Brumbies.

Robertson's record to-date:

99 Games

83 Wins

12 Losses

4 Draws

3 Super Rugby titles (2017, 2018 and 2019)

2 Super Rugby Aotearoa titles (2020, 2021)

Speaking to media at Rugby Park Robertson said: "You're really proud to get to 100 but it's a milestone, it's something you want to reflect on. You don't use it as such during the week, you want to talk about it after the fact and you want it to just be a great performance and prepare the boys to be ready."

Crusaders team to play the Chiefs:

1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Oli Jager
4. Scott Barrett (C)
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Pablo Matera
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. Leicester Fainga'anuku
12. David Havili (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan

RESERVES:

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Zach Gallagher
20. Corey Kellow
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Braydon Ennor
23. George Bridge