Crusaders first-five Mike Delany has been given the nod to start in the No. 10 jersey for his side's Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves in Christchurch on Saturday.
Delany hasn't started a Super Rugby match since 2012 when he was playing for the Highlanders.
The 35-year-old says he cops a bit of grief from the young players in the Crusaders squad because of his age.
"The boys all call me dad and what not but I'm enjoying it, the young boys keep you lively and keep you honest," said Delany.
The one Test All Black returned to New Zealand rugby last year after playing in Japan and Europe and had an outstanding NPC campaign for Bay of Plenty.
"The boys have a lot of fun and it's been good coming off the bench. But obviously it's quite hard to get the gage of the game but it's going to be nice to be out there from the start and get into it."
The Crusaders team also welcome back their All Blacks players from injury for Saturday's match.
Israel Dagg has been named to start on the right wing with Owen Franks named at tight head prop.
Crusaders: 15. George Bridge, 14. Israel Dagg, 13. Tim Bateman, 12. Ryan Crotty, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10. Mike Delany, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 8. Tom Sanders, 7. Matt Todd, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 5. Quinten Strange, 4. Scott Barrett, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Ben Funnell, 1. Tim Perry.
Reserves: 16. Andrew Makalio, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Chris King, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Jack Stratton, 22. Mitchell Hunt, 23. Seta Tamanivalu.
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