Robbie Fruean's return to the red-and-black jersey has been a big confidence boost for the midfielder.
Fruean has come back to the Crusaders after a stint with the Chiefs, and had his first hit out yesterday in a pre-season fixture against the Highlanders in Timaru.
Fruean, who had heart surgery in 2013, said it was great to get some game time.
"I did about 40 minutes, so I was pretty stoked with that, it just felt pretty good. I was breathing a lot easier and just getting through a lot better."
The Highlanders won the match 29-26, but the Crusaders picked up two season-altering injuries with a broken leg to halfback Willi Heinz and broken arm to new recruit Jone Macalai.
