KEY POINTS:
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has rolled out the heavy artillery for the Super 14 rugby match against the Chiefs on Friday night, while his opposite Ian Foster has stuck with proven combinations for the crunch match in Hamilton.
Deans today made four personnel and seven positional changes to
his side who beat the Lions 31-6 in Christchurch last weekend.
He has included all of his available top players after fielding a number of second stringers against the Lions as the Crusaders seek to maintain their unbeaten streak which stretches to eight matches.
Stephen Brett will take his place at first five-eighth as he makes his first start in a month due to a shoulder injury.
Brett came off the bench for 10 minutes against the Lions when Hamish Gard started at No 10 in the absence of injured No 10 Dan Carter.
As well, Brad Thorn has overcome a calf injury to take his place at lock while regular captain Richie McCaw returns on the openside flank.
McCaw, Ross Filipo, Kade Poki and Kahn Fotuali'i have all been reintroduced to the 22-strong squad after missing the win over the Lions, replacing George Whitelock, Michael Paterson, the injured Reuben Thorne and Steve Alfeld respectively.
Winger Poki and halfback Fotuali'i, stood down from the playing 22 last week after missing a training session during the previous week, have been on the reserves bench.
Also on the bench is lock Filipo, who is set for his first Super 14 action of the season after recovering from neck surgery in the off-season.
Fullback Leon MacDonald has been allowed another week to recover from the thigh muscle tear he sustained against the Hurricanes on March 28.
In his absence, Scott Hamilton will again start from fullback.
The Chiefs' starting 15 are unchanged from the side who beat the Highlanders and Brumbies in recent matches.
The only change is on the reserves bench where utility back Sosene Anesi returns to the frame after recovering from an ankle injury, leaving winger Viliame Waqaseduadua out of the starting 22.
"It was a logical change to go with Sosene instead of Vili as Sosene gives us cover at both fullback and wing," Foster said.
Foster said the Chiefs, fresh from a bye week, were excited to be playing the competition-leading Crusaders at home.
"Chiefs and Crusaders matches are always great occasions and the fact they come to us unbeaten this year just makes this game even more exciting.
Chiefs
Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Simms Davison.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Jay Williams, Faifili Levave, Jamie Nutbrown, Dwayne Sweeney, Sosene Anesi.
Crusaders
Scott Hamilton, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Caleb Ralph, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Ross Filipo, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Hamish Gard, Kade Poki.
- NZPA
