Hulking Crusaders left winger Nemani Nadolo is hoping history repeats itself when his team confront the Cheetahs in their sixth round Super Rugby match in Christchurch on Saturday.

Less than a year ago, in only his second start for the Crusaders, Nadolo ran rampant over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, scoring three of the Crusaders’ six tries in their 52-31 win.

A week earlier, Nadolo’s Crusaders debut had been marked with victory over the Lions, those two wins in South Africa providing the impetus for the Crusaders to advance to the semi-finals for a 13th straight year.

This year, Nadolo’s return to the Crusaders after playing in Japan has him lining up against the same two South African teams, except in Christchurch this time.

The Lions were disposed of 34-6 last week, and the Cheetahs loom next.

“Those wins last year led to the Crusaders’ revival,” Nadolo said.

“Hopefully we can pull together now. We’ve got all our guys on deck now so we don’t have any excuse not to perform.”

Nadolo said the quick transition between the Japanese season ending and the Crusaders campaign starting gave him little time to prepare properly pre-season, but he was up for the Lions game and played 80 minutes.

The Crusaders have been boosted by fullback Israel Dagg’s return from injury, while Kieron Fonotia will move onto the wing following Johnny McNicholls’ knee injury last week.

In the forwards, hooker Codie Taylor will start with Ben Funnell on the bench, and Matt Todd returns to the openside flank.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Cody Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Tom Taylor, David Havili.