Crusaders stick with winning formula

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged starting XV for their semi-final against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.

Robertson opted to stick with the same side that beat the Highanders 17-0 in the quarter-finals last weekend, saying his charges are focused and ready for the task at hand.

It’ll be the third time in Super Rugby history that these sides meet in a semi-final, with the Chiefs winning the two previous games.

‘They used their home-ground advantage on those occasions, but this time we’ve earned the chance to play in front of our own supporters and that means a lot to us,’ said Robertson.

Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Seta Tamanivalu, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 19 Pete Samu, 20 Mitchell Drummond, 21 Mitchell Hunt, 23 George Bridge.

Chiefs team

Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

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