Crusaders make five changes
Todd Blackadder has continued his rotation policy, making five changes to his Crusaders team to face the Force in Perth tomorrow night.
The Crusaders, who beat the Lions 43-37 in Johannesburg last weekend, will field a forward pack that includes Sam Whitelock at lock and Jordan Taufua at blindside flanker for the Super Rugby match at nib Stadium. They replace Scott Barrett and Jimmy Tupou who have been listed on the bench.
Mitchell Drummond starts at halfback ahead of Andy Ellis. Sean Wainui slots into centre, replacing Kieron Fonotia who has been asked to sit in the reserves. Ben Volavola is at fullback. David Havili who wore the No 15 jersey against the Lions has returned home because of injury. Ged Robinson has also been added to the bench because reserve hooker Ben Funnell is unavailable with injury.
A win for the Crusaders would mean they return to Christchurch with three victories on the road. They have previously beaten the Sharks in Durban and the Lions in Johannesburg.
Ben Volavola, Johnny McNicholl, Sean Wainui, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Joe Moody, Mike Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett, Jimmy Tupou, Andy Ellis, Kieron Fonotia, Jone Macilai.