Historic.

The reigning United Rugby Championship winners, Munster, and the Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders will go toe-to-toe next week in an historic match in Cork.

Munster have hosted a number of touring sides over the years, famously beating Australia and New Zealand before completing the triple crown with a win over South Africa A at the same venue where next week’s match will take place, Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Crusaders squad departed New Zealand today, Friday, January 26, and will take on Munster next Saturday, February 3, before completing their tour with a game against English Premiership side, Bristol Bears.

However, many All Blacks stars have not made the trip, with the likes of Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Joe Moody, Sevu Reece, Codie Taylor, David Havili, and Will Jordan not named in their traveling squad.

But several internationals are making the trip with Wales international Leigh Halfpenny, England international Willi Heinze, and All Blacks trio Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks, and George Bower all in the squad.

The Crusaders are also coached by former Munster head coach Rob Penney, to add to the occasion even further.

Crusaders squad

Forwards: George Bell, Josh Southall, Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Owen Franks, Sebastian Calder, Ryan Coxon, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Angus Brown, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange (c), Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Cullen Grace

Backs: Mitchell Drummond, Willi Heinz, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana, Taine Robinson, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod, Jone Rova, Levi Aumua, Manasa Mataele, Heremaia Murray, Macca Springer, Chay Fihaki, Jack Gray, Leigh Halfpenny