Super Rugby Aotearoa final - Crusaders v Chiefs
7:05pm Saturday, May 8
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Braydon Ennor returns from a nine-month injury layoff to take his place on the Crusaders bench for the Super Rugby Aotearoa final against the Chiefs.
The centre ruptured ligaments in his right knee during the North v South game last season, ending his 2020 prematurely.
Ennor will provide midfield cover for the defending champions, with David Havili and Leicester Fainga'anuku named to start.
The back three consists of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and George Bridge, with Mitchell Dummond earning the starting halfback spot ahead of Bryn Hall.
Up front, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui and Cullen Grace form the loose-forward trio, while All Black veteran Sam Whitelock locks the scrum with captain Scott Barrett.
Crusaders: 1-George Bower, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 4-Scott Barrett, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Sione Havili Talitui, 8-Cullen Grace, 9-Mitchell Drummond, 10-Richie Mo’unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-David Havili, 13-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Will Jordan
Reserves: 16-Brodie McAlister, 17-Tamaiti Williams, 18-Oliver Jager, 19-Mitchell Dunshea, 20-Tom Sanders, 21-Bryn Hall, 22-Dallas McLeod, 23-Braydon Ennor
Bryn Gatland will wear the contentious No.10 jersey for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Aotearoa final against the Crusaders.
The Waikato-based side have used three different players at first-five this season, including All Blacks utility Damian McKenzie, but have chosen to use his flair and creativity from the fullback position.
Luke Jacobson will return from injury to pack down at No.8, with All Black Anton Lienert-Brown named at centre.
"On any given day, any team can be beaten and we have proven that," says coach Clayton McMillan. "This weekend, we are going down to Christchurch with confidence and believe we can upset the Crusaders.
"The Crusaders have set the bench mark for the competition and we respect they are a great side, but we have earned the right to be in the final and have a job to deliver on Saturday.
"It was an easy selection for us, but everyone has played their part in getting the team to the final and for those not selected, they have played a big role to ensure we are prepared for this weekend."
Chiefs: 1-Aidan Ross, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Angus Ta'avao, 4-Tupou Vaa'i, 5-Mitchell Brown, 6-Pita Gus Sowakula, 7-Lachlan Boshier, 8-Luke Jacobson, 9-Brad Weber, 10-Bryn Gatland, 11-Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12-Alex Nankivell, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Jonah Lowe, 15-Damian McKenzie
Reserves: 16-Bradley Slater, 17-Ollie Norris, 18-Sione Mafileo, 19-Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20-Zane Kapeli, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22-Rameka Poihipi, 23-Chase Tiatia
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