Crusaders light on troops for Hurricanes clash

Sam Whitelock has been ruled out for the Crusaders' clash against the Hurricanes this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has had to juggle his playing stocks for his side's must-win encounter with the Hurricanes in Nelson on Friday night.

The perennial playoff contenders are in dire straits as they search for a finals appearance in 2015 and have to rely on other results falling their way, while continuing to win their own matches.

Injuries to some crucial players has made that quest tougher for Blackadder who has rung seven changes to the starting side that lost 32-22 to the Waratahs in Sydney last weekend.

Lock Sam Whitelock, No 8 Kieran Read and midfielder Ryan Crotty all copped head knocks last week and weren't considered for selection, while pivot Colin Slade (quad) and prop Joe Moody (foot) have also been ruled out. Fullback Israel Dagg (calf) was not available.

In the backline, Blackadder has named Dan Carter to start at first-five on Friday with David Havili playing outside him, while Robbie Fruean will return from injury at centre.

With Read out, Richie McCaw will captain the side with Jimmy Tupou getting a rare start at lock.

Veteran prop Wyatt Crockett will sit out this week's match as part of the resting protocol placed on All Blacks, which gives Alex Hodgman his first start of the season with Tim Perry, who has recovered from an Achilles injury, providing cover from the bench.

Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Robbie Fruean, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Richie McCaw (c), Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman.

Reserves: Codie Taylor, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Kieron Fonotia, Jone Macilai.