Same again for Crusaders

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named the same matchday squad for Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final with the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Like last weekend's 17-0 quarter-final victory over the Highlanders, lock Sam Whitelock will lead the seven-time champions which includes 11 All Blacks in the starting line-up.

It is the third time in Super Rugby history that these two teams have faced off in a semi-final, and the Chiefs have emerged victorious on both of those previous occasions.  

But Robertson said this is a different time and different circumstances.

"They used their homeground advantage on those occasions, but this time we have earned the chance to play in front of our own supporters and that means a lot to us," he told the Crusaders' official website.  

"To see so many of our supporters still come out to the game last weekend in such miserable conditions was humbling, so that is even more motivation for the team to put on a performance to make the fans proud this Saturday night," Robertson said.

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 
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 George Bridge

Date: Saturday, July 29
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Glenn Newman