The Crusaders will expect to add to the Sunwolves’ pain when they host the Japanese side at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

Jamie Joseph’s men have suffered seven defeats in a row, leaving them well adrift in the Super Rugby standards. They are already 10 points behind the 14th placed Blues after succumbing to the New Zealanders in Round Nine of the competition and, as a result, appear destined to end the year rooted to the foot of the table.

To make matters worse, they are heading to the home of the defending champions this weekend, a place where the Tokyo-based team shipped 50 points in 2017.

Although the visitors do have threats, with Michael Little impressing over the previous two weeks and Hosea Saumaki a constant menace on the wing, the New Zealanders are strong in all facets.

While the absence of Richie Mo’unga is a hindrance and may ultimately be a deciding factor as to whether they are able to retain their title, it will not cause them consternation on Saturday.

Their outside backs are among the best in the competition, with George Bridge, Manasa Mataele and the returning Israel Dagg forming a potent back three. Centres Tim Bateman and Ryan Crotty are reliable, and Mike Delany and Mitchell Drummond have plenty of experience at half-back.

The Crusaders’ pack does have a few players missing, whether through injury or individuals being rested, but it is still a formidable-looking forward eight, particularly with Owen Franks back in the fold.

Having not played since last year, it may take a while for the prop to get back up to speed but it shouldn’t be long before he is wreaking havoc at the set-piece.

After seeing his front-five enjoy some success against the Blues, Sunwolves’ boss Joseph may seek to target that area but, even accounting for Franks’ lack of match fitness, it is difficult to see them gaining ascendency in the scrum.

In fact, it is improbable that the visitors will get much joy in any facet, with the New Zealanders likely to come away with a comfortable victory.

The last time the teams met: Their only game came last year with the Crusaders producing a dominant 50-3 triumph over the Sunwolves. Manasa Mataele scored a nine-minute hat-trick in the first half, while Kieran Read and Ben Funnell touched down before the interval. Yu Tamara responded for the Japanese outfit with a penalty but they were unable to build on that in the second period as Pete Samu, George Bridge and Whetu Douglas crossed the whitewash for the hosts.

Players to watch:

For Crusaders: After a long time out with a knee injury, Israel Dagg makes his return where he will play his first match since September 2017. It is the ideal game for him to make his comeback, with the Crusaders likely to secure a comfortable victory, irrespective of the back three player’s form. Dagg had a stop-start time of it last year and will no doubt be looking to produce performances which will get him back into the All Blacks’ reckoning.

For Sunwolves: The front-row was effective for the Tokyo-based outfit against the Blues last weekend, but they will arguably be facing the best pack in the competition when they take on the Crusaders. The hosts are without Sam Whitelock, however, and Owen Franks is playing his first game for several months, so Craig Millar will look to put him under pressure and potentially take advantage of his rustiness.