All Blacks feature in Crusaders

The Crusaders will put out plenty of firepower for their game against the Highlanders in Waimumu tomorrow.

The defending Super Rugby champion will field almost a full team of All Blacks across its side, with nine current members of the national side in the starting team.

It also has lock Luke Romano and halfback Mitchell Drummond in the reserves.

The Crusaders will again be led by Sam Whitelock, who will be backed up by deputies Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd.

Exciting winger Braydon Ennor will get a start on the left wing, while Seta Tamanivalu will start on the other wing.

There is plenty of experience in the Crusaders pack, with Wyatt Crockett starting at loosehead prop.

On the bench is former Highlanders prop Chris King.

King, who hails from Rakaia originally, has been playing in France over the past three years but returned home last year and has still got the boots on.

At the age of 36, there is still some life left in the legs and he will do his job round the paddock.

Such is the Crusaders depth, quality players such as George Bridge and Tim Bateman are on the bench.

The Highlanders will name their team today and are expected to name a squad of about 25.

All of the Highlanders' All Blacks are available and should get a run.

It will be the only chance for the All Blacks to get on the field for the Highlanders before the season starts next week.

The side picked up no new injuries from the Brisbane Tens tournament, where it dipped out in pool play.

Many of the players expected to front tomorrow for the Highlanders did not play in the Tens.

The game will be played in two 40 minute spells, with the Farmlands Cup up for grabs. Fine weather is forecast for the game.

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