Preview: Crusaders versus Highlanders

SUPER RUGBY ROUND FOUR: The Crusaders have turned to the 'legends of the past' in their build-up to this southern derby.

When they host the Highlanders on Friday, it will be their first game of the year in Christchurch.

They have invited close to 50 former players to celebrate the evolution of the franchise.

The special event will be hosted by coach Scott Robertson, where each former player will be presented with a personalised pin featuring the new Crusaders Tohu (symbol) and their unique Crusader number.

The Crusaders legends will then attend the side's encounter with the Highlanders, where they will form a guard of honour for both teams as they run onto field, and connect with the Crusaders team post-match.

Of course, the 'legends' include current Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger and one of his assistants Mark Hammett.

Robertson said they are "welcome" to attend the pre- and post-match get-together.

In fact, Robertson even 'invited' Reds coach Brad Thorn to join them - although that is unlikely, as he will be with his team, who is playing the Sunwolves in Brisbane a day later.

• The preview continues below video ...

"It's important to our current playing group that we are connected to our past and all those who have worn the jersey before," Robertson said.

"I know the group is really excited to have the past players join us at this game and to spend some time with them - it's going to be a special occasion on Friday."

It is also going to be another, typically, bruising all-New Zealand derby.

They managed to bounce back from their Round Two loss to the Chiefs (in Hamilton) with a 25-8 win over the Blues last week.

However, it came at a cost.

Not only have they lost captain and All Black enforcer Scott Barrett to a knee injury, but the more than 200 tackles they made also left them somewhat tender.

Assistant coach Mark Jones said they expect another physical encounter, but they won't retreat into their shells.

"What's great for me is that the Crusaders are really clear about the way they want to play the game and training replicates that," Jones told a media briefing.

"I'm excited about continuing playing the way we are, but also understanding there will be times when the weather's not so conducive and the opposition are not so conducive and we have to find some answers and play the game a different way," he added.

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has shown faith in the team that managed a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Brumbies last week, but understands playing the Crusaders in Christchurch presents a different challenge.

"Their record at home tells you all you need to know about how well they play in Christchurch," he said of the fact that their last defeat in Christchurch was in July 2016 - 31 wins and a draw.

"Every team that plays there knows what to expect," Mauger said.

"This week for us is about enjoying another opportunity to test ourselves and we are looking forward to that."

Head to head

Prediction: The Crusaders have won six of their last seven completed games against the Highlanders, including their last three on the bounce - each of those three by a margin of more than 20 points. Four of the last seven New Zealand derbies in Super Rugby have been won by the team trailing at half-time on the day, with two of those four games seeing the Crusaders let the lead slip. The Crusaders are undefeated in their last 32 Super Rugby games on home turf, allowing their opposition a losing bonus point only four times in that stretch. The Highlanders have conceded fewer metres (237), offloads (three) and defenders beaten (14) per game than any other team so far this Super Rugby season. Crusaders duo David Havili (nine) and Jack Goodhue (six) have made more offloads this Super Rugby season than any other players in the competition. You can get some good odds on the Highlanders and while we believe the Crusaders will win, we doubt it will be by the 16-point margin predicted by most bookmakers. We said the Crusaders by nine points.

Teams

Crusaders: 15 David Havili (captain), 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Isi Tuungafasi, 18 George Bower, 19 Ethan Roots, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku.

Highlanders: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Kirisi Kuridrani, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Josh Ioane, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7 James Lentjes (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Conan O'Donnell, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Teihorangi Walden, 23 Josh McKay.

Date: Friday, February 21

Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Chris Hart (New Zealand)

Compiled by Jan de Koning

* Stats provided by Opta Sports