Rugby: Blackadder rings changes as playoff hopes go on the line

Daniel Bowden has replaced Ryan Crotty at second-five for the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders have re-jigged four positions, including the introduction of Daniel Bowden at second five-eighth for their crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday morning (NZT).

Former Auckland first five-eighth Bowden didn't play until the 10th round match against the Cheetahs last month but has now been thrust into a key role in an unfamiliar position, in place of Ryan Crotty.

Crotty has started every game since overcoming concussion in round three but coach Todd Blackadder said change was necessary following consecutive losses to the Western Force and Stormers.

"Dan gives us a different few kicking options which we believe will be important for this match. Ryan has shown signs of fatigue so he is being rested," he said.

Bowden make take some playmaking pressure off first five-eighth Daniel Carter, who has been out of sorts, particularly during the 42-14 humbling at the hands of the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

It left the Crusaders clinging to fourth and needing to end the competition-leading Bulls' 17-match winning streak at Loftus Versfeld to keep control of their playoff destiny. A loss would leave the seven-time champions relying on other teams to lose in next week's final round.

In other changes from the match in Cape Town, Ti'i Paulo starts at hooker in place of Corey Flynn, who has returned home with an ankle sprain, while Ben Franks starts ahead of his brother Owen at tighthead prop.

Andy Ellis gets his first start at halfback for a month in place of Kahn Fotuali'i.

Owen Franks and Fotuali'i drop to the bench but there is no place there for Crotty, with Tim Bateman promoted to the reserves.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Daryl Gibson is returning to New Zealand due to the death of a grandparent.

Crusaders
Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Daniel Bowden, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Dan Perrin, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Thomas Waldrom, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tim Bateman, Jared Payne.

- NZPA