Beating the Stormers tomorrow morning is the only way to banish the Crusaders' on-field implosion in Pretoria last weekend, coach Robbie Deans says.
The four-time champions lost 20-35 to the Bulls and the game against the Stormers in Cape Town is the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves, Deans said.
"The
defeat has lingered and the only way to get it behind us is get back on with it," Deans said. "We've done a lot of work this week, but we won't be able to alleviate that disappointment until such time as we get the opportunity to play again."
Deans has made three changes to his team. Flanker Johnny Leo'o replaces skipper Richie McCaw, who was stretchered off with a head injury against the Bulls, and Casey Laulala returns to centre, pushing Rico Gear back to wing. Dave Hewett is back at loosehead prop for Greg Feek.
Deans said the onus was on all his players to show some leadership after they lost the plot when McCaw was taken from the field.
In McCaw's absence, former Crusaders captain Reuben Thorne will lead a starting XV that boasts 13 former or current All Blacks.
"It's a collective responsibility," Deans replied about on-field leadership.
Leo'o comes into the starting XV for the first time this season.
Stormers coach Gert Smal has underlined the importance of Schalk Burger to his team by giving the Springboks loose forward until today to prove his fitness.
Burger has been bracketed at No 8 with Pietie Ferreira, the former Western Province captain who was called in as a back-up after Burger struggled with what Smal described as a calf ligament injury.
His switch to No 8 is one of several changes to the pack who beat the Reds last weekend.
Andries Bekker has been recalled to the team to partner Rob Linde at lock.
Midfield back De Wet Barry will play his 50th game for the Stormers and will captain the team because Bolla Conradie has been selected ahead of regular captain Neil de Kock at halfback.
- NZPA
