The NSW Waratahs will face a Crusaders side weakened by the managed return of their Test stars when they play their Super Rugby opener in Nelson.
Already hit hard by the permanent departure of several veteran All Blacks, the Crusaders are limited in how many minutes their international players can play in the wake of the Rugby World Cup.
Under NZ Rugby stipulations, returning All Blacks are limited to 180 minutes playing time through the first three rounds.
New captain Scott Barrett, five-eighth Richie Mo’unga and midfield back Jack Goodhue are the only World Cup All Blacks named to start at Trafalgar Park on Saturday. Hooker Codie Taylor and winger Sevu Reece are on the bench.
Coach Scott Robertson has omitted two first-choice international starters in prop Joe Moody and winger George Bridge.
It leaves a team that might be regarded as vulnerable, particularly following the departure of greats such as Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty.
There are two competition debutants, with Tom Christie starting at openside flanker and lock Cullen Grace, 20, on the bench.
Robertson said it had taken some adjustment preparing for the season without his usual core of experienced players but felt the newcomers were ready to announce themselves.
“You do miss them but they’ve left a lot for us and in each case the next guy that’s come through has stepped in and put his own personality into it.”
Robertson welcomed the chance to lock horns with new Waratahs coach, and old mentor, Rob Penney.
In 2008, then-head coach Penney asked Robertson to be an assistant at the successful Canterbury provincial team.
“It’s quite a nice moment in my coaching career and I’m sure in his as well because he was the person who gave me my first opportunity,” Robertson said.
“I regard him as a mentor and a good friend and a good man. He’s got a great rugby mind.
“The rugby journey’s got him in Aussie. It’s incredible, I wouldn’t have expected him to be coaching the Waratahs but I know why he is because he’s a very good coach.”
Crusaders: David Havili, Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Faingaanuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Christie, Tom Sanders, Mitchell Dunshea, Scott Barrett (capt), Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, George Bower. Res: Codie Taylor, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Sevu Reece.