Chiefs

1 Aidan Ross (26)
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho (22)
3 Atu Moli (39)
4 Tyler Ardron (27)
5 Mitchell Brown (34)
6 Lachlan Boshier (45)
7 Mitchell Karpik (21)
8 Sam Cane (112) (c)
9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (33)
10 Aaron Cruden (90)
11 Solomon Alaimalo (39)
12 Anton Lienert-Brown (70)
13 Quinn Tupaea (1)
14 Sean Wainui (27)
15 Damian McKenzie (72)

Reserves:
16 Bradley Slater (3)
17 Ross Geldenhuys*
18 Ollie Norris**
19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi (1)
20 Pita Gus Sowakula (16)
21 Brad Weber (73)
22 Kaleb Trask (1)
23 Alex Nankivell (23)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

Unavailable for selection:
Angus Ta’avao (knee), Laghlan McWhannell (knee), Luke Jacobson, Nathan Harris (shoulder), Nepo Laulala (knee), Reuben O’Neill (ankle), Ryan Coxon (ankle) and Tumua Manu (shoulder).

Crusaders

1 Joe Moody
2 Codie Taylor
3 Oliver Jager
4 Scott Barrett (c)
5 Mitchell Dunshea
6 Tom Sanders
7 Tom Christie
8 Whetu Douglas
9 Mitch Drummond
10 David Havili
11 George Bridge
12 Jack Goodhue
13 Braydon Ennor
14 Sevu Reece
15 Will Jordan

Reserves:
16 Andrew Makalio
17 George Bower
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Luke Romano
20 Cullen Grace
21 Bryn Hall
22 Brett Cameron
23 Leicester Fainga'anuku

Down to props #7 and 8 in the reserves.

Allardice is not listed as injured but maybe needs a game after not playing in the preseason.

I thought Sowakula would have done enough to start and bring on Karpik to replace Cane. Looking forward to seeing DMac back in action. :crossed_fingers:

Havili at ten, that'll be interesting. He did well enough in M10, and he's certainly better than any canes 10!

@Machpants It also shows they don't trust Cameron as a starter.

Basically "we have no faith in Brett Cameron".

I don't blame them

Intriguing to see how Havili goes at 10 with no Mounga.Interesting to see Cameron not starting but if it means Jordan starts at fullback then I think it's the right way to go.

If Havili goes well, he’ll help his AB chances - strong fullback who can play midfield - and in a pinch cover first five - who isn’t called Jordie Barrett.

@gt12 said in Chiefs v Crusaders:

If Havili goes well, he’ll help his AB chances - strong fullback who can play midfield - and in a pinch cover first five - who isn’t called Jordie Barrett.

And without Hansen-Barrett Senior coaching anymore Havilli may actually get a look in over him.

I like the Havilli selection instead of Cameron cant say I have much trust in Cameron.

@Chris Will be very interesting to see how Dave goes there.

I'm slightly surprised they haven't paired him with Bryn Hall, who I think has a stronger kicking game than Drummie. I think Dave will go OK in general play - but, it's always clearing the line under pressure that concerns me and I'll not be unhappy to see plenty of clearing from the base of the ruck.

That being said, I've got more faith in Dave than Cameron, who still looks like he needs some work.

Mitch Hunt getting the start at the Highlanders already looking positive for his shift south - and the Crusaders confirming that they wanted to keep him - which sounds a lot more logical than the intel that they weren't bothered.

Cane at 8 again. Stoked that McKenzie is back. Dunno how well the scrum will do against the Crusaders pack. Tupaea needs to work on his defence. Good to see Cruden starting. Should be a cracker.

There's a little bit of getting everyone on the field about that pick too I think. A bit of ruthlessness from Razor. Camerons's struggled with starts in the past so is clearly going to be made to earn back the privilege.

Can't wait to watch this game. Gatland has kept Cane at Nr.8, which is quite surprising. I can compare it with McDonald sticking with Ruru and Perofeta. Cane was far from convincing at Nr.8 while Sowakula performed well. Until Jacobson comes back, the best backrow combination could be Boshier - Cane - Sowakula IMO.

All Black Brett Cameron is a great finisher as was shown last week when he entered the match with the Crusaders cruising with a comfortable lead.

Asked if he liked his role at the defending champions, Cameron said, “Who wouldn’t? im on the field when the final whistle blows eh. Plus I get to shake the hands of the opposition players before Richie. Something that I bring to the team is a strong handshake.”

Cameron will again take on this role with fullback and 2nd 5, David Havilli starting.

Great sense of humor.

Really hope Havili kills it, I've been calling it for a long time and he's a classy player with a great boot.

So Hamilton ground staff just said fuck it we are going to leave the massive 7s logo on halfway.