Centre Jack Goodhue's pre-season form has been good enough to convince Crusaders coach Scott Robertson to start him against the Brumbies.

Sift through the records and you discover new Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has always had a fair bit of time for Jack Goodhue.

It was Robertson, then with the Canterbury coach's hat clamped on his head, who gave Goodhue his first first-class cap in 2014 and allowed him to accumulate another 17 prior to selecting him in his Crusaders squad late last year.

GETTY IMAGES Seta Tamanivalu has been listed on the right wing to allow the promising Jack Goodhue to start at centre for the Crusaders in their match against the Brumbies.

Perhaps, if everything goes to plan in Super Rugby, Goodhue, who left Northland after accepting a rugby scholarship to attend Lincoln University three years ago, will become a regular fixture in Robertson's midfield.

He has certainly been flicked a juicy plum ahead of the match against the Brumbies at AMI Stadium on Saturday night, there is no doubting that - even if he will have to make big Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani.

READ MORE:

* Return to play protocols hamstring Hurricanes for start of Super Rugby season

* Super Rugby: Tipped to win - leading picks for round one

* Five New Zealand Super Rugby men on a mission for the 2017 season

The big talking point is that Goodhue, 21, has been preferred to start in the Crusaders midfield ahead of three-test All Black Seta Tamanivalu, who has been plonked on the right wing after scoring three tries during a trial match against the Hurricanes.

This suggests Robertson is determined to back his instincts when debating selections, and that Goodhue will be hoping he can repay the faith and keep his job.

Robertson said Goodhue had previously attracted some interest from the All Blacks selectors, until a knee injury sidelined him, and he felt that scrutiny had been warranted.

"People say is he ready? Well, Anton Lienert-Brown who was in the centres with the New Zealand under-20s has gone on to be an All Black," Robertson said. 'Jack could have definitely been in that position if he had carried on without that injury, so now is his opportunity."

Six men have been listed to play for the Crusaders for the first time, with No 8 Whetu Douglas, halfback Bryn Hall, left wing George Bridge, and Tamanivalu included in the run-on side. Halfback Ereatari Enari has been listed in the reserves.

Uncapped hooker Ben Funnell has been preferred to start ahead of All Black Codie Taylor. Lock Scott Barrett, the only man to appear in all four tests on the All Blacks' northern tour last year, has kept fellow All Black Luke Romano in the reserves and loosehead prop Joe Moody starts ahead of Wyatt Crockett.

Barring the absence of No 8 Kieran Read because of injury, Robertson has named a side capable - on paper anyway - of ensuring the Brumbies' 17-year losing streak in Christchurch is maintained.

Slow starts have almost become the stuff of legend for the Crusaders over the last 15 years or so, and the new boss has done some research about how to remedy this.

He believes the integration of the All Blacks, who are allowed to take holidays that go deeper into the summer because of their crowded work schedule, could be part of the issue. So, too, is not having players in the casualty ward before the season starts.

"In regards how to play, getting them good game time and (getting them) fit," Robertson said in reference to the returning All Blacks. "Last year they had seven on the long-term injury list, this year we have none."

The Brumbies, knocked out of last year's title race after losing their quarterfinal in Canberra in controversial circumstances, are likely to reflect on the memory of former lock Dan Vickerman in the wake of his sudden death last week.

"There is no doubt they will respect him with their effort and their passion," Robertson added. "We are well aware of that. And why wouldn't you? He was a great man. We understand that it means a lot to them and that is going to come into the fight on Saturday night."

The match will also mark Israel Dagg's 100th Super Rugby match. He made 25 appearances for the Highlanders in the 2009-10 seasons.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetu Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Ereatari Enari, Mitchell Hunt, David Havili.

Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Chris Alcock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio. Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Ben Alexander, Les Leuluaialii-Makin, Tom Staniforth, Lolo Fakaosilea, De Wet Roos, Andrew Smith, Isaac Thompson.







