At a glance

What: Super Rugby Pacific round 11, Highlanders v Crusaders

Where, when: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin; tonight, 7.05pm

Coverage: Sky Sport 1 and live updates on Stuff

Highlanders: Jacob RatumaitavukiKneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Telea, Jake Te Hiwi, Martin Bogado, Cameron, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot (capt); Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Mau, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley

Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Noah Hotham, Christian LioWillie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitchell Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer

mauls was “something we take personally. It’s been a massive part of the identity of this team for a long time”.

Having Taylor in the same pack as captain Scott Barrett – cleared of a lower back niggle sustained in last week’s loss to the Reds – adds exponentially to the Crusaders’ leadership quotient.

“I’ve always had the mindset that when I got back to bring a lot of energy and hopefully a lot of effort on the field,” Taylor said. “That’s all I can do, really, and make sure I’m accurate when I need to be.”

Forwards coach Dan Perrin said Taylor was bouncing around the place and he felt his “energy and his experience will be fantastic for the group’’.

The 10th-placed Crusaders must win all their remaining three games to nail a topeight berth after two wins and eight losses, while the seventh-ranked Highlanders (four wins/six losses) will want to boost their own playoffs ambitions.

Taylor first played in a derby in 2013 and ratestoday’s “up there’’ as “one of the biggest ... given the occasion and what’s at stake’’.