Sam Whitelock (left) and Kieran Read reflect on the Crusaders' 25-17 win over the Lions in the Super Rugby final. Both men will return to the Crusaders next year.

Fourteen Crusaders who started the Super Rugby final will be back to defend their title next year.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has already loaded up his squad with quality personnel, with all 12 All Blacks to return and a significant number of non-test players also locked in for next year and beyond.

Halfback Bryn Hall, who was replaced by Mitchell Drummond for the second half of the 25-17 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg on August 6, is the only member of the run-on XV at Ellis Park who is yet to negotiate a renewed contract.

MARTIN HUNTER/PHOTOSPORT Bryn Hall is the only member of the Crusaders' Super Rugby final starting lineup who is yet to re-sign for the franchise.

Hall, who signed a one-year deal when he transferred south from the Blues for pre-season training in late 2016, recently told The Press he and his manager were canvassing their options and hoped to make a decision soon.

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It is significant that Robertson, who will coach the side through to the end of the 2019 season, can tap into an experienced core of players through to the end of his tenure.

SIPHIWE SIBEKO/REUTERS The Crusaders celebrate the franchise's eighth Super Rugby title.

This includes club captain and All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock, who has committed to NZ Rugby through to 2020, and All Blacks skipper Kieran Read who will remain in New Zealand through to the 2019 World Cup.

Although the Crusaders lost the battle for possession and territory in the final against the Lions, and semifinal against the Chiefs, their defence and awareness of when to strike from set plays, or turnover ball, was instrumental to their success.

Depth in the tight five should ensure Robertson has no shortage of power and experience to draw upon for the 2018 competition which, if Sanzaar gets its way, will be reduced to 15 teams.

Hookers Codie Taylor and Ben Funnell, props Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Tim Perry and Oli Jager and locks Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Luke Romano will all be in his squad.

Managing the graft for key players may be at the forefront of Robertson's mind. Openside flanker Matt Todd started 13 games, averaging 73 minutes per outing. While Jed Brown and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis were selected as specialist cover, they only made a handful of run-on starts between them.

First five-eighths Richie Mo'unga and Mitchell Hunt are both contracted until 2019, the latter proving of immense value in his first season in Super Rugby. Whether Marty McKenzie, who can cover first-five and fullback, sticks around is uncertain.

McKenzie got more action for his University club in the Christchurch metro competition than he did for the Crusaders, playing just 125 minutes in five appearances.

Wing Seta Tamanivalu's decision to re-sign for another year, despite not making one appearance in the midfield, the position where he earned three test caps as a substitute against Wales last year, adds depth to the back field.

Signed-up Crusaders: Codie Taylor (until 2021), Sam Whitelock, Oli Jager, Mitchell Drummond (2020); Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Israel Dagg, Joe Moody, Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Mitchell Hunt, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Richie Mo'unga (2019); Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty, Seta Tamanivalu, Wyatt Crockett, Jordan Taufua, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Mike Alaalatoa, Jone Macilai, Leon Fukofuka (2018).