An extended absence from the Crusaders is about to come to an end for All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams

The 23-year-old will start at loosehead in Saturday's southern derby against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Williams' playing time has been limited to 10 minutes due to a hamstring injury and the need to support his fiancee after the birth of their daughter 13 weeks ahead of schedule.

Coach Rob Penney says it'd be unfair to heap too much pressure on the eight-test All Black.



Codie Taylor returns from his sabbatical at hooker, while Scott Barrett's been named to start despite suffering a back injury last week.



Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan returns from a knee injury to take his spot in the starting 15 for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Sullivan will square off against his brother, Bailyn, who plays for the ladder-leading Canes.

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