Brown rushed into duty for Sharks

Former All Blacks first five-eighth Tony Brown has been rushed straight into the Sharks' starting lineup for Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the unbeaten Crusaders in Timaru.

Brown, who played 19 All Blacks tests and 83 Super 12 matches for the Highlanders, joined his new teammates only this week from his Japan base.

Brown replaces Brad Barritt, 19, in one of five changes to the side who lost 26-27 to fellow South African side the Cheetahs last weekend.

"I've had a bit of contact with the coach. With regard to the players -- I've played against a few. Even though I don't really know them, I'm looking forward to playing for the Sharks," Brown was quoted as saying on South Africa's Super Rugby website.

"I don't know all the moves and that's why the next few days will be crucial before we play on Saturday."

In other changes, right wing Odwa Ndungane will replace Dusty Noble and centre Waylon Murray will play in place of Gcobani Bobo, while No 8 Jacques Botes replaces Braam Immelman and lock Johann Muller replaces Johan Ackermann.

Both Sharks props Deon Carstens (shoulder) and BJ Botha (neck) have recovered and are in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have retained the same starting XV that demolished the Queensland Reds for the match.

Coach Robbie Deans has made just one change to his squad, bringing in Matt France for halfback Andrew Ellis who suffered a rib cartilage injury during the 47-21 win over the Reds.

The defending champions top the championship table with a better points difference over the Hurricanes who also have 10 points.

TEAMS

Crusaders:

Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville. Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Brad Mika, Johnny Leo'o Andrew Ellis, Cameron McIntyre, Scott Hamilton.

Sharks:

Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Andries Strauss, Brent Russell, Tony Brown, Ruan Pienaar, Jacques Botes, AJ Venter (captain), Solly Tyibilika, Albert van den Berg, Johann Muller, BJ Botha, Skipper Badenhorst, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis, Brent Moyle, Johan Ackermann, Daniel Farani, Sandile Nxumalo, Brad Barritt, Craig Burden.