Having said goodbye to some of the Crusaders' best ever players, coach Scott Robertson says that the next generation of players are more than up to the standard.
Following a third consecutive Super Rugby title earlier this year, the Crusaders' ranks have been depleted heading into 2020.
Captain Sam Whitelock will take a Japanese sabbatical as part of his new New Zealand Rugby contract, while Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks, Matt Todd, Israel Dagg and Jordan Taufua are among those to have said goodbye to the side.
As the Crusaders last night announced their squad for 2020, 12 new faces and nine players new to Super Rugby altogether have been named for their shot at a fourth-straight title.
Speaking to media today at the 2020 Super Rugby season launch, Robertson spoke about the huge vacuum of experience, and his confidence in filling it.
"You never replace those guys," he explained. "You prepare someone to take over and make their own name.
"We've got some great young guys coming through our academy, or through Tasman or Canterbury.
"So [there is] great cohesion to come straight in and perform, [and] make their own names."
The Crusaders begin their Super Rugby 2020 season on February 1, hosting the Waratahs in Christchurch.
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