Bower, Reece start while Mataele is on the bench
Christchurch: The Crusaders will celebrate another big milestone this week, with halfback Mitch Drummond set to become the 20th Crusader to play 100 games for the club.
The 27-year-old will lead the team out on to the field in Hamilton tonight, notching up the achievement in his eighth season of Super Rugby.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made multiple changes to the side this week, following their thrilling golden-point win over the Hurricanes in Round 7. Fijian-born winger Manasa Mataele has been named on the bench while Sevu Reece gets the nod to start.
Fijian descent prop George Bower has been named to start.
Captain Scott Barrett is the only forward to remain in the starting side to face the Chiefs, and will move to the blindside.
Bower, Brodie McAlister and Michael Alaalatoa complete an allnew front row, while Mitch Dunshea and Quinten Strange have been given the nod as the starting locks.
Following a successful return from injury last week, Tom Sanders will wear the number 7 jersey against the Chiefs, and Ethan Blackadder is back after being rested last week with a neck injury.
Line-up: 1. George Bower, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Mitchell Dunshea, 5. Quinten Strange, 6. Scott Barrett (C), 7. Tom Sanders, 8. Ethan Blackadder,
9. Mitchell Drummond*, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. David Havili (VC), 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan
Reserves: 16. Codie Taylor (VC),
17. Isileli Tu’ungafasi, 18. Oliver Jager, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Dallas McLeod, 23. Manasa Mataele. - Super Rugby Aotearoa