The Crusaders will be without the pace of Rico Gear for Sunday morning's Super 14 rugby match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein after the All Blacks winger was ruled out with injury.
A shoulder niggle sees Gear replaced in one of four positional changes to the side whowere stunned by the Cats last weekend. He is replaced by Brent Ward.
Up front prop Campbell Johnstone and lock Kevin O'Neill are replaced by Wyatt Crockett and Michael Paterson respectively. Crockett comes onto the loosehead side for his first start of the season, pushing Ben Franks into Johnstone's tighthead role, while it will be the first Super 14 start for 21-year-old Paterson.
Lock Isaac Ross and outside back Tim Bateman are the two new reserves.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said the changes in the pack were about sharing the workload.
"It's a long and physical competition and the day in day out battering can take its toll, especially on the tight forwards over here (in South Africa)," Deans said.
"We've still got two matches to play before the bye, and they'll both be physical contests, so we're looking to manage our resources the best that we can by this week allowing Campbell to freshen up."
