After a couple of weeks off, Captain David Havili is back to face the Hurricanes this Friday in the capital.

"We know he's world class in his leadership and is without a doubt influencing the team greatly and having his maturity, calmness and playing ability out in the midfield is going to strengthen us significantly," says Head Coach Rob Penney.

Sevu Reece is back on the left wing after playing at centre in Fiji, and instead Levi Aumua will take his place in the number 13 jersey. Chay Fihaki will support Reece on the right wing.

Penney did admit there was some temptation to revert back to Sevu Reece at centre.

"Sevu did a good job at centre, we were rapt with the way he went but we've gone with the tried-and-true combo of Dave and Levi."

The halfback/ first five combination of Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara will remain unchanged, while Will Jordan stays at fullback.

Christian Lio-Willie is the only player from the forward pack that retains his position from last week.

"It's great to be able to bring some fresh legs in following Fiji and hopefully they'll make a significant impact on Friday night,” says Penney.

This week the front row will feature the dominant trio of Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu and Fletcher Newell.

Team Naming Media Session

Rob Penney Addresses Media ahead of Round 9 match v the Hurricanes

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Scott Barrett returns to lock after his All Blacks rest week, paired with Jamie Hannah.

Cullen Grace is back at blindside while Ethan Blackadder will start at openside.

"As always, the Hurricanes will be tough - they're capable, talented, and they've got momentum shifters and gamechangers across the park.

Whenever these darbies are played, they're brutal and physical, we know that, but that X factor element that NZ teams possess is something else and the Hurricanes have their fair share of those."

Crusaders team to face Hurricanes: