Highlanders

1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
2 Liam Coltman
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 Jackson Hemopo
5 Tom Franklin
6 Liam Squire
7 James Lentjes
8 Luke Whitelock (cc)
9 Aaron Smith
10 Josh Ioane
11 Patelesio Tomkinson
12 Teihorangi Walden
13 Rob Thompson
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Ben Smith (cc)

RESERVES
16 Ash Dixon
17 Ayden Johnstone
18 Siate Tokolahi
19 Josh Dickson
20 Shannon Frizell
21 Kayne Hammington
22 Marty Banks
23 Elliot Dixon

Unavailable due to injury with season ending injuries: Tevita Nabura (knee), Richard Buckman (achilles), Bryn Gatland (foot)

That looks like the strongest possible Highlanders team! 6-2 split on the bench again.

BFA back is good.

Also, they got Tomkinson out of 12 which is good - he was defensive liability there, despite a few good touches.

Still, Saders by 15 I guess.

Dear clan, never mind the score, just go out and give it all you got as a fitting sign off for the last 6 or so years when you became legitimate contenders. You've done us proud, we'll deal with next year later, just give it hell!

Underdogs is good

Just can't see an upset here. Crusaders by 14.

@Canes4life me neither. Angling for some proper southern pride

@Siam Just get the media to call the Highlanders battlers and they will turn the heat up.

Crusaders

1 Joe Moody
2 Codie Taylor
3 Owen Franks
4 Scott Barrett
5 Sam Whitelock (c)
6 Whetukamokamo Douglas
7 Matt Todd (vc)
8 Kieran Read
9 Bryn Hall
10 Richie Mo'unga
11 George Bridge
12 Ryan Crotty (vc)
13 Jack Goodhue
14 Sevu Reece
15 David Havili

Reserves
16 Andrew Makalio
17 Tim Perry
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Luke Romano
20 Jordan Taufua
21 Mitchell Drummond
22 Mitchell Hunt
23 Braydon Ennor

that is a pretty damn strong side, even more so when you look at the weapons on the bench.

@taniwharugby Must be the first time this season that they play their strongest squad and all their All Blacks are fit and healthy. Geez, 12 ABs in the starting line-up, 3 on the bench, not to mention possible future ABs and others who have been in the ABs environment.

Yeah that's an impressive 23

Best side named all year, although would prefer Hunt over Dixon but only no big call, he's in good form.

All other teams have been fearing the day we drop Li!

@Stargazer said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@taniwharugby Must be the first time this season that they play their strongest squad and all their All Blacks are fit and healthy. Geez, 12 ABs in the starting line-up, 3 on the bench, not to mention possible future ABs and others who have been in the ABs environment.

And completely missing an alternaitve back three of Jordan, Dagg and Mataele.

@shark said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@Stargazer said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@taniwharugby Must be the first time this season that they play their strongest squad and all their All Blacks are fit and healthy. Geez, 12 ABs in the starting line-up, 3 on the bench, not to mention possible future ABs and others who have been in the ABs environment.

And completely missing an alternaitve back three of Jordan, Dagg and Mataele.

The same Dagg that retired? Or are we talking Fred?

Neither of them really count, but get your point. Show off.

@shark said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@Stargazer said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@taniwharugby Must be the first time this season that they play their strongest squad and all their All Blacks are fit and healthy. Geez, 12 ABs in the starting line-up, 3 on the bench, not to mention possible future ABs and others who have been in the ABs environment.

And completely missing an alternaitve back three of Jordan, Dagg and Mataele.

Team could be slightly stronger, we are missing Dan, Richie, Andy and Leon

@taniwharugby said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

that is a pretty damn strong side, even more so when you look at the weapons on the bench.

They are just lucky that they aren't playing the mighty Jaguares.

@Crucial Yep Shaking at the knees at that prospect

@Chris said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

@Crucial Yep Shaking at the knees at that prospect

Typical arrogant kiwi!