The return from injury of Tamaiti Williams has been offset by the loss of Chay Fihaki as the Crusaders named their team for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final.

There were fears Williams, the 142kg All Blacks prop, would miss the decider after a knee injury ruled him out of the 21-14 semi-final win over the Blues.

He was on crutches after the qualifying win over the Reds but got through training this week and replaces George Bower as the starting loosehead.

“He is ready to go. He was on the cusp of being ready last week,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney told reporters in Christchurch on Wednesday.

“I guess it’s the blessing of having a great squad. George (Bower) has done a great job.

“He’s really unlucky not to be starting, but Tamaiti has got himself back into selection framework and he’s going to get the opportunity.”

Springer shows astonishing skill to score

The other change to the run-on XV is Macca Springer replacing Fihaki on the wing.

Fihaki was ruled out after a head clash with Blues No.8 Hoskins Sotutu.

“Chay has been gold for us, probably one of the stand outs in a number of areas. His competition mid-season with Macca was one of the highlights. Lots of selection debates,” Penney said.

NEW PODCAST! The BTP crew reflect on another Brumbies semi-final exit as superstars Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan set up another all-New Zealand decider

“Chay ended up getting the nod and proved his worth, and Macca has just been training hard in behind the scenes. You always say to your players, an opportunity will come, be ready. Now it’s come. And he’s ready.”

Springer hit the headlines in March against the Force when he became just the second player in Super Rugby history to score five tries in a game.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have named an unchanged starting XV after fullback Shaun Stevenson was cleared from a head knock.

view gallery

Super Rugby Team of the Season: Matt Burke calls for changing of the guard as Wallabies No.9

There are two changes to the bench with prop Aidan Ross and outside back Etene Nanai-Seturo replacing Jared Proffit and Gideon Wrampling respectively.

Gosford-born Ross is joining the Reds next season and will become Wallabies eligible ahead of the British and Irish Lions series.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will name his squad to play Fiji in Sydney on Thursday.

Crusaders (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (c), Macca Springer, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams.

Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod

Chiefs (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (c), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo