Crusaders won’t hold back

Anyone worried the Crusaders might tread on a snare and take the battling Blues lightly need not bother.

Forget the fact the Blues haven’t won a New Zealand derby since round one of the 2016 season, a gander at coach Scott Robertson’s 23 to play the Auckland-based Blues at Eden Park tomorrow night tells you all you need to know.

Unlike some New Zealand franchises, the third-year Crusaders coach hasn’t hogtied some of his All Blacks by easing them into the new season.

‘‘We’ve obviously gone the opposite way around. We want to get the combos right early,’’ Robertson said

Despite Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor being on extended leave, and centre Jack Goodhue ruled out with a groin strain, Robertson has named 13 players who have been involved with the All Blacks in his 23, including 10 in the starting side.

‘‘He [Goodhue] had a slight, tight groin, and just with the length of the season, and doing the right thing by him, we gave him the extra week to come right. He potentially could have played, but the best thing for him is to make sure it’s 100 [per cent],’’ Robertson said.

The Crusaders’ XV includes openside flanker Matt Todd, who will captain the back-to-back champions until Whitelock returns during round five, and his vicecaptain – second-five eighth Ryan Crotty.

With Goodhue sidelined, 21-year-old Braydon Ennor will start outside Crotty in the No 13 jersey.

Ennor predominantly played centre through secondary school, and for the New Zealand under-20s, but was mostly utilised on the wing during his rookie season with the Crusaders last year. However, fresh off a Mitre 10 Cup campaign with Canterbury in the midfield, Ennor got the nod over veteran Tim Bateman.

‘‘He’s more than comfortable,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘As you know, Braydon’s speed is his greatest strength, and he’s a big strong boy and he’s ready to go.

‘‘It’s tough on Tim Bateman, he is looking strong as well. But that’s the great thing about having depth, you have to have tough conversations and someone has to miss out.’’

Third-year Tasman lock Quinten Strange will start in place of Whitelock, while the returning Whetukamokamo Douglas will play No 8 with Read unavailable until March 16.

Loose forward Ethan Blackadder was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury, although Robertson noted it wasn’t serious.

With Seta Tamanivalu now earning his coin in France, nephew Manasa Mataele has been rewarded for an impressive preseason and will start in the No 14 jersey, opposite try-scoring gun George Bridge.

Will Jordan, who missed his entire rookie campaign with concussion last year, has been named on the bench and will make his Super debut when Robertson injects him into the fixture.

‘‘Obviously a prestigious talent. You could see in the pre-season, his ability to beat players and take opportunities, he’s definitely got an eye for a gap and a bit of extra speed.

‘‘He’s a good local boy, he always dreamed of being a Crusader, so it’s a dream for him this weekend.’’