A Welsh rugby great will give the Crusaders a new look as the Queensland Reds attack a very familiar problem in Christchurch.
The opportunity is there for the Reds (4-5) to end a losing streak in the city dating back to 1999 on Saturday, the Crusaders (2-7) enduring rare hardship in a tournament they have long dominated.
But they’re 2-2 since an 0-5 start and, currently 10th, loom as potential party-poopers for finals-bound outfits if they’re able to slide into the top eight.
British and Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny’s availability is another bonus, the 101-Test Wales great named to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut after a pectoral muscle injury required pre-season surgery.
Lock Scott Barrett will captain the Crusaders with fellow All Black David Havili switching from centre to five-eighth.
“It’s about not being hijacked by where they are on the ladder,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
“Every team will be very wary of what the Crusaders can offer.”
Kiss’s side has beaten the Chiefs and Highlanders and lost narrowly to the front-running Hurricanes and Blues.
“We go there with the right business mind; very direct, disciplined, be sure we still bring our style of game into play,” he added.
