'There's certainly a lot of expectation and the guys who have been in this position before me are some of the great players for this club and New Zealand rugby, so yeah, it is an honour, a privilege and I'm looking forward to it and putting my spin on things,' said Barrett. He says he's well aware of what comes with the new title.

Saturday will mark the beginning of Scott Barrett's reign as Crusaders captain. 'You really appreciate the times that you're back out on the field, even when you're back on the training field you're enjoying every moment and not taking it for granted,' said Sanders. His time on the side-line has given his a new perspective on rugby. Photo: Getty ImagesThe 25-year-old has had no luck with injuries over the last two years after suffering a fractured ankle in 2018 and dislocated his shoulder in 2019. One man excited more than most for the opening round is loose-forward Tom Sanders who will start at six. Young lock/loose-forward Cullen Grace is also a chance off the bench. There will be a Super Rugby debut for Tom Christie, who starts in the No 7 jersey. Sevu Reece and Codie Taylor should come off the bench. The only omissions from the squad are George Bridge and Joe Mood, who will have an extra week to ready themselves.

Robertson has named a strong side for the opening round of the competition, with a number of All Blacks returning to the starting line-up, including Richie Mo'unga, Scott Barrett and Jack Goodhue. 'I regard him as a mentor, a good friend and a good man. 'He was the first person that gave me the opportunity with the assistant coach role with Canterbury in 2008. 'It's quite a nice moment in my coaching career and I assume in his as well,' said Robertson. Robertson spent three years as an assistant under Penney at Canterbury from 2008-2011. The Waratahs are under the guidance of former Canterbury coach Rob Penney this season.

Photo: Getty ImagesWhen the Crusaders take on the Waratahs in Nelson on Saturday Scott Robertson will begin his quest for a fourth straight Super Rugby title against a familiar figure.

Crusaders quest best team 2019