Crusaders Change Six To Face Blues

The Crusaders will host the Blues on Saturday, in the last round of the regular season before the playoffs next week.

Scott Robertson has made six changes to the starting line-up, from the team that took the field against the Highlanders.

Of the four changes in the forwards, the Crusaders welcome the return of prop Tim Perry from the hamstring injury he sustained prior to the June break. At tighthead, Michael Alaalatoa moves from the bench to the starting side for this game. 

Quinten Strange will partner Captain Sam Whitelock at lock, with Scott Barrett rested this week. In the loose forwards, Jordan Taufua will start in the No. 6 jersey, and Pete Samu comes into the reserves. 

The only changes in the backs will see Mitchell Drummond wear the No. 9 jersey this week and Bryn Hall take a spot on the bench. David Havili will also sit out this game, and has been replaced at fullback by Israel Dagg. 

On the reserves bench, Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather joins the squad and could earn his first Crusaders cap this week. Anderson-Heather will provide cover for Andrew Makalio in the absence of Codie Taylor, who is another All Black rested for this match. 



Crusaders team to play the Blues: