Pete Samu has been labelled an impact specialist by Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, which is why the Wallabies international is still on the bench for the Super Rugby final.
Coach Scott Robertson was forced to make one starting change for Saturday's showdown with the Lions in Christchurch after flanker Jordan Taufua broke his arm in the semi-final.
It was expected Samu would wear the No.6 jersey but Robertson plumped for the more industrious Heiden Bedwell-Curtis.
It will be the ninth bench appearance of the season for fleet-footed Samu, who was also employed in an impact role in all three Tests against Ireland when he made his Australian debut in June.
"Heiden has been extraordinary every time he has played for us and it is probably more that Pete is exceptional off the bench," Robertson said.
"He can change the pace of the game up, it is a real strength of his."
There is one bench change from the team which thrashed the Hurricanes 30-12 last week.
Reserve hooker Sebastian Siataga also broke his arm in what was his Super Rugby debut.
Andrew Makalio will take that spot if he shakes off a calf injury. Otherwise fifth-ranked Cruaders hooker Sam Anderson-Heather will be the backup to All Black Codie Taylor.
Robertson revealed he struggled with another bench choice, where he stuck with Tim Perry as loosehead prop reserve rather than Wyatt Crockett.
It means Crockett will be in the stands for what would have been his 203rd and final game for the Crusaders.
Super Rugby's most capped player, Crockett is ending a 13-year association with the eight-time champions.
"It was the hardest decision I have had to make as a coach, I will be honest with you," Robertson said.
"Great man, great Crusader. Highest capped and given more to this team than anyone else. We want to send him out the way he should be sent out, and we promised we would."
The Crusaders host the Lions in the Super Rugby final on Saturday August 4, kicking off at 7:35pm local, 5:35pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Crusaders to face the Lions
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Kieran Read
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Ryan Crotty (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. David Havili
Reserves
16. Sam Anderson-Heather
17. Tim Perry
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Pete Samu
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Braydon Ennor
Lions team for the Crusaders
1. Jacques Van Rooyen
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Marvin Orie
5. Franco Mostert
6. Kwagga Smith
7. Lourens Erasmus
8. Warren Whiteley (C)
9. Ross Cronje
10. Elton Jantjies
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi
12. Harold Vorster
13. Lionel Mapoe
14. Ruan Combrinck
15. Andries Coetzee
Reserves
16. Corne Fourie
17. Dylan Smith
18. Johannes Jonker
19. Hacjivah Dayimani
20. Marnus Schoeman
21. Dillon Smit
22. Courtnall Skosan
23. Howard Mnisi
24. Cyle Brink
25. Shaun Reynolds
