The Crusaders have named their team to face the Bulls in Timaru with Dan Carter being replaced by Matt Berquist due to injury.
The Crusaders had the bye last weekend but have made three changes to the Crusaders team that played the Sharks for the Bulls in on Saturday
Injuries have ruled out first-five Dan Carter (hamstring) and lock Sam Whitelock (ankle), with the other change coming in the front row where Ben Franks gets a start at tighthead prop ahead of his brother Owen.
Chris Jack starts alongside Brad Thorn in the second row, with Matt Berquist getting his first start of the season as Carter’s replacement at first-five.
On the reserves bench, lock Luke Romano comes into the match-day squad for the first time, and Joe Wheeler is bracketed with Jonathan Poff. Wheeler comes into the mix for the first time following a shoulder reconstruction last year.
A final decision on who will wear the number 19 jersey will be made after training today.
Tasman player Tom Marshall comes on to the bench as backs cover.
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a tough physical test against the Bulls, who are the Super Rugby defending champions.
“We are very aware of their threats across the park so we’ll have to be switched on from the kick-off,” he said.
“We have great depth in our squad so we’re comfortable with the replacements for our injured guys.”
“Matt has played well for us when coming on during matches and Chris has played over 100 matches for the Crusaders so that speaks for itself.”
Crusaders :
1. Wyatt Crockett,2. Corey Flynn,3. Ben Franks,4. Brad Thorn,5. Chris Jack,6. George Whitelock,7. Matt Todd,8. Kieran Read (c),9. Andy Ellis,10. Matt Berquist,11. Zac Guildford,12. Sonny Bill Williams,13. Robbie Fruean,14. Sean Maitland,15. Israel Dagg
Replacements: 16. Quentin MacDonald,17. Owen Franks,18. Luke Romano,19. Jonathan Poff/Joe Wheeler,20. Kahn Fotuali’i,21. Tom Marshall,22. Adam Whitelock