The Crusaders have made just one injury-enforced change to their team to tackle the Blues at AMI Stadium on Friday night.
Coach Todd Blackadder has retained faith in the side that sustained a narrow defeat against the Chiefs last weekend, with Pete Samu coming into the reserves in place ofReed Prinsep after the loose forward suffered a nasty head knock in that game.
"While we didn't get the result we wanted against the Chiefs last weekend, we actually felt really pleased with the team's performance," Blackadder said. "The physicality and intent that the team showed for most of the game was fantastic, and we felt that we were dominant in many respects for a good portion of that game. That is what makes the loss even more frustrating for the players, though.
"We know that those players will only be more determined this week to take another step up, so we want to give them the opportunity to go out there and show what they are really capable of."
Crusaders team to play the Blues:
1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor 3. Owen Franks 4. Scott Barrett 5. Samuel Whitelock (c) 6. Jordan Taufua 7. Tim Boys 8. Kieran Read 9. Andy Ellis 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. Nemani Nadolo 12. Kieron Fonotia 13. Sean Wainui 14. Jone Macilai 15. David Havili
Reserves 16. Ben Funnell 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Mike Alaalatoa 19. Jimmy Tupou 20. Pete Samu 21. Leon Fukofuka 22. Ben Volavola 23. Johnny McNicholl
