Deans eyeing Reds with caution

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans makes a point of approaching each rugby challenge in isolation.

After two weeks of Super 12 rugby action, his team have lost to the Brumbies in Canberra and overcome the Chiefs at Jade Stadium.

He fully appreciates the challenge posed by a wounded, but considerably strengthened Reds team in Nelson tomorrow.

"Certainly the Reds have been unlucky in their previous two fixtures -- desperately unlucky -- and that'll make them pretty dangerous really," Deans said.

"They've deserved more than they've got out of what they've done to date so we always respect them -- they're a dangerous team, particularly with (fullback) Chris Latham back.

"Add to that the fact they're probably going to be prepared to give things a go and it's a dangerous mix."

Deans has made two changes to his starting lineup from that which thumped the Chiefs 50-18 last Saturday.

Leon MacDonald replaces Scott Hamilton at fullback to finally consummate his return to Super 12 action after a year in Japan. No 8 Mose Tuiali'i also gets the nod ahead of the injured Sam Broomhall.

Rookie lock Kevin O'Neill has been forced to find his Super 12 feet much more quickly since the first-round injury to Ross Filipo and Deans has now entrusted the 23-year-old 2.01m student with his second successive starting role alongside All Black Chris Jack for the third round clash.

Despite some speculation that experienced loose forward Reuben Thorne might start at lock, Deans said O'Neill was always likely to get the nod in his specialist role.

"That's his specialist area and I think we've indicated from the outset that it's not our preference to start Reuben in that position -- and I think Kev will be better for his experience last week."

The Reds have also tinkered with their second row, dropping lock Hugh McMeniman in one of three changes from the side who lost 15-18 to the Blues at Eden Park last Friday.

McMeniman has been replaced by Rudi Vedelago in one of two changes to the Reds' starting pack.

No 8 John Roe has a shoulder injury and been replaced by Tom McVerry, with Luke Doherty coming onto the bench.

Queensland coach Jeff Miller indicated a horses for courses policy was behind the decision to bring in Vedelago at McMeniman's expense.

"Rudi Vedelago will give us a bit of extra bulk in what will be a very physical game in Nelson," Miller said.

"Hugh McMeniman has done very well so far, but he is still a very young man and we want to bring him on at a sensible pace.

"Tommy McVerry has had two excellent games off the bench and deserves his starting spot against the Crusaders.

"John Roe is recovering well, but the match is too early for him. He will stay with us in New Zealand and should feature against the Chiefs (next week)."

Wallabies fullback Latham returns after playing in the tsunami appeal match in London, with Drew Mitchell dropping to the bench.

Winger Ben Tune has flown back to Brisbane to continue his comeback with Queensland A against the Brumby Runners in Canberra tonight.

Deans said that bringing the game to Nelson in no way compromised the Crusaders' home ground advantage.

- NZPA