All Blacks duo Joe Moody and Braydon Ennor have returned to the Crusaders starting XV for their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Highlanders in Christchurch.
Victory over the Highlanders would see them secure the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with one round remaining and the timing couldn't be any better for Scott Robertson, with prop Moody and centre returning to an already stacked line-up.
Moody, who was initially named in the team to face the Chiefs, missed the match due to family bereavement, while Ennor has been sidelined with a toe injury.
Prop Moody slots into the starting side for George Bower, who moves to the bench, while Ennor will play at centre, replacing Fetuli Paea, who misses out altogether.
Ennor is a surprise inclusion and Robertson has been impressed with his efforts to get back on the field.
"He's been training well and he's been working hard off the pitch to be fit for this one," he says.
Along with the return of Moody and Ennor, No.8 Whetukamokamo Douglas has overcome a knee sprain to regain his spot in the starting side, with Tom Sanders moving to blindside flanker and Sione Havili to the bench.
The other change in the forwards sees Quinten Strange replace Mitchell Dunshea at lock. Among the backs, Bryn Hall replaces Mitchell Drummond at halback.
Last month, the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 40-20 in Dunedin and they have won their last five meetings between the two teams.
Crusaders: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor (c), 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 4-Sam Whitelock, 5-Quinten Strange, 6-Tom Sanders, 7-Tom Christie, 8-Whetukamokamo Douglas,9-Bryn Hall, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Jack Goodhue, 13-Braydon Ennor, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Will Jordan
Reserves: 16-Andrew Makalio, 17-George Bower, 18-Oliver Jager, 19-Luke Romano, 20-Sione Havili, 21-Mitchell Drummond, 22-Brett Cameron, 23-Leicester Fainga'anuku
Join us for live updates of the Crusaders v Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa clash from 3:35pm Sunday.
