The Crusaders and Chiefs have confirmed all-star line-ups ahead of Saturday's SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Final in Christchurch.
The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of prop Tamaiti Williams after the All Black remarkably recovered from a knee injury.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Williams limped off the field during their qualifying final victory over the Queensland Reds.
It's one of two changes from last week, with winger Macca Springer replacing Chay Fihaki (concussion).
"History is history, it is what it is and we're not even thinking about that, we're just thinking about the contest ahead of us which is really exciting," coach Rob Penney said.
"We're at home in front of our people and it's going to be such a magic occasion."
As for the Chiefs, they have named an unchanged starting side that defeated the ACT Brumbies last week.
Prop Aidan Ross comes back onto the bench, who is set to depart the club for the Queensland Reds.
Winger Etene Nanai-Seturo also fills the final replacement spot for his third appearance of the year.
“We’ve built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch," coach Clayton McMillan said.
"The Crusaders have proven time and again that they know how to lift in finals footy. They’re clinical, composed, and proud of their home record. We’re ready for a good final fight.”
The Crusaders are hunting for their 13th title in Super Rugby history, claiming back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
This included victory over the Chiefs, who are out to make it third time lucky following their 2024 Final defeat to the Blues.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referee: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Brett Cronan
