Team News: Crusaders Vs Western Force

The Crusaders are preparing for their last regular season home game in Christchurch and several players are set to get an opportunity this week, with Head Coach Scott Robertson making changes across the park for Friday night's fixture against the Western Force. 

Robertson has rested George Bower, Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo'unga and Sevu Reece, which sees Tamaiti Williams and Fergus Burke come into the starting side at loosehead prop and first five-eighth respectively, while Manasa Mataele will move to the right wing. 

Mitchell Dunshea will once again partner Scott Barrett at lock, having stepped in late last week with Quinten Strange ruled out by a neck injury. Robertson has also called on the experience of 135-game veteran, Luke Romano, who will provide cover at lock in the absence of Whitelock. 

In the backs Bryn Hall will start at nine, while Braydon Ennor returns from a shoulder injury to join Vice-Captain David Havili as the midfield pairing. 

The inclusion of Isileli Tu'ungafasi, Tom Sanders, and Josh McKay round out the changes to the Crusaders 23 for this week, and Robertson said they're all ready to take their opportunity: "Those guys have trained extremely hard, and they're deserving of their opportunity this week, so it's great to see the energy and excitement building towards this game.

Western Force Head coach Tim Sampson has made four changes to the starting line-up ahead of the encounter.

Ollie Callan to make his starting debut and Ian Prior set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance

It will be a momentous occasion for Ian Prior, as the club stalwart is set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance on Friday afternoon, with the influential scrumhalf named on the bench.

Feleti Kaitu’u returns to the starting line-up, with Andrew Ready remaining in the match day 23. Jake Strachan starts at fullback, with Rob Kearney failing his HIA test after the Hurricanes game.

Kuridrani starts at outside centre, with Richard Kahui moving to the left wing, as Jordan Olowofela shifts to the bench.

The Force also welcome the return of Jake McIntyre after recovering from an injury sustained against the Highlanders in Round 2.