Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has sprung few surprises in the composition of his roster that will chase a mind-boggling five consecutive Super Rugby crowns next year.
Granted, the Christchurch franchise has lost considerable experience over their current dynasty, including All Blacks Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty and Israel Dagg.
But most are lost overseas or to retirement, and when they went, Robertson had done an amazing job of grooming ready-made replacements.
This latest crop features just four new players - none are likely to crack the top starting line-up immediately.
Lock Scott Barrett will retain the captaincy.
Robertson's biggest issue may be competition for frontline spots, with a logjam among locks, loose forwards and outside backs in particular.
Injuries to All Blacks George Bridge and Braydon Ennor may also test the Crusaders depth early.
Gains
None of the four newbies - props Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams, and outside backs Chay Fihaki and Isaiah Punivai - loom as contenders for a full-strength first XV.
But Fihaki is an intriguing prospect and may be pressed into service, if Ennor's lingering knee injury proves serious.
The Fijian teen provided Mitre 10 Cup heroics for Canterbury, saving the red-and-blacks from relegation by scoring their opening try against Auckland, and kicking a last-gasp 50m penalty to snatch victory and preserve their spot in the top flight.
Losses
Flanker Billy Harmon is perhaps the biggest name to depart the Crusaders, heading south to the Highlanders.
He had deputised for Matt Todd since 2018, but with Todd's departure, Harmon missed a chance to nail down the No.7 jersey, losing ground to Tom Christie.
His depature does little to alleviate the loose forward squeeze, with Ethan Blackadder returning from injury.
Others missing the cut this year are prop Harry Allan, loose forward Ethan Roots, midfielder Inga Finau and outside back Fetuli Paea.
One to watch
Twelve months ago, at 19, Cullen Grace was the youngest player named to an NZ Super Rugby squad, but unsurprisingly struggled to win a regular spot in the loose forward mix.
By the end of the year, he had an All Blacks test cap to his name - emerging off the bench against Australia in Brisbane - and Robertson must now consider how to promote the youngster's international aspirations into the Crusaders' rotation.
The same could be said for Tasman wing Leicester Fainga’anuku, a standout of this year's Mitre 10 Cup campaign, but up against current or former internationals Bridge, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and David Havili for chances among the outside backs.
Possible starting XV: Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tom Sanders, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo'unga, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
2021 Crusaders squad
Props: Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oli Jager, Joe Moody, Fletcher Newell*, Isi Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams*
Hookers: Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Codie Taylor
Locks: Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock
Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Tom Sanders
Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Bryn Hall
First-fives: Fergus Burke, Brett Cameron, Richie Mo’unga
Midfield: Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: George Bridge, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Chay Fihaki*, David Havili, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Isaiah Punivai*, Sevu Reece
*New players
