Rugby: Crusaders facing stern test from Bulls

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Super rugby conference leaders the Crusaders are hoping squad depth will translate into an overdue victory against the Bulls in Timaru on Saturday.

The two teams have shared the last six Super rugby titles between them, but it is the Bulls who have come out on top in their last three meetings.

At home, however, the Crusaders have a distinct advantage and this weekend's eighth round match is the first time the Bulls have played the Crusaders out of Africa since 2009.

Coach Todd Blackadder has been forced into two changes, with Matt Berquist coming in at first five-eighth for the injured Dan Carter, while former All Black Chris Jack replaces Sam Whitelock following his serious ankle injury.

Blackadder acknowledges his side's credentials will be sternly tested as they seek to win the competition for the first time since 2008.

"We are very aware of their threats across the park so we'll have to be switched on from the kickoff.

"We have great depth in our squad so we're comfortable with the replacements for our injured guys.

"Matt has played well for us when coming on during matches and Chris has played over 100 matches for the Crusaders so that speaks for itself."

The Bulls welcome back fullback Zane Kirchner who missed the 26-14 win over the Hurricanes in the last round with a knee strain.

Coach Frans Ludeke said games don't come much harder than against the Crusaders.

"The Crusaders are playing great rugby, but we have shown in the past that we never shy away from huge challenges.

"More importantly for us will be our own desire to improve every week. Last weekend showed massive improvement, but we will need another massive step-up to beat the Crusaders."

The Highlanders are looking to continue their Super rugby rejuvenation against the Cheetahs in Dunedin tomorrow night.

After a strong start to the season, the Highlanders faltered with losses to the Stormers and Crusaders, but came off the bye last week with a well-worked 26-20 win over the Brumbies in Invercargill.

First five-eighth Colin Slade made a solid return to Super rugby after breaking his jaw in the pre-season, and will start against the Cheetahs despite suffering a groin strain early in the second half of last week's game.

All Black lock Tom Donnelly has lost his place to Josh Bekhuis in the only change to the starting lineup from the Brumbies match.

Highlanders hooker Jason Rutledge has labelled the Cheetahs as a "banana skin team" and said the Highlanders would need to tighten up on last week's performance against the Brumbies if they wanted the win.

Perhaps the biggest factor in the Highlanders' favour is the Cheetahs' mushrooming injury roster.

Flanker Philip van der Walt, out with a knee injury from last Saturday's 22-29 loss to the Blues, will be replaced by Leon Karemaker.

Van der Walt is the fourth loose forward the Cheetahs have lost, with 11 players out through injury since the start of the Super rugby season.

The Hurricanes will be looking to arrest an alarming form slump which saw them stumble to their fourth defeat in six matches in losing 26-14 to defending champions the Bulls in Napier last week.

They face a Brumbies team, in equal disarray, whose sole victory this season came way back in the opening round on February 19 against the Chiefs.

The Hurricanes desperately need a win to kick-start a tough away programme - they travel to Bloemfontein to play the Cheetahs next week, then Durban for a meeting with the Sharks before turning home with a game against the Reds.

Under increasing pressure, Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has rung the changes for Saturday's game in Canberra.

First five-eighth Aaron Cruden, benched for the last month, has been given the nod ahead of Daniel Kirkpatrick with the hope that his attacking game will spark some life into the Hurricanes' under-performing backline.

Andre Taylor replaces Julian Savea on the right wing, although he could also start at the back if All Blacks fullback Cory Jane is away for the expected birth of his third child.

In that case, Alapati Leiua will start on the wing.

In other matches, the Force host the Waratahs in Perth, the Australian conference-leading Reds travel to Cape Town to play overall leaders the Stormers, while the third-placed Sharks face the Lions in Durban.

The Blues, Rebels and Chiefs have the bye.

Crusaders side: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Matt Berquist, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Jonathan Poff/Joe Wheeler, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock.

- NZPA