Former British and Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny will make his Crusaders debut as they look to continue a 25-year Christchurch stranglehold on the Reds.
Coach Stephen Larkham has made six changes to his ACT Brumbies side against Fijian Drua after injuries soured their Super Rugby Pacific win over the Hurricanes.
The Melbourne Rebels may survive as a Super Rugby Pacific side after creditors voted against liquidating the debt-ridden club.