KEY POINTS:
The Crusaders welcome back influential first five Dan Carter for their key Super 14 match against the Western Force in Christchurch on Saturday.
But they will be without All Blacks lock Chris Jack who is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after straining a hamstring tendon in the 34-33 win over the Waratahs last weekend.
Coach Robbie Deans has made four changes from last week's starting line-up.
Winger Caleb Ralph, Carter and halfback Andy Ellis all return to the back division, in the place of Scott Hamilton, Stephen Brett and Kevin Senio respectively.
Michael Paterson is promoted from the bench to the second row for Jack.
Hamilton, Brett and Senio have all been included among the run-on reserves.
"While we've had to make a few changes, we've still been able to enjoy a fair bit of continuity, with all but Dan Carter having been involved in the match day 22 last week," coach Robbie Deans said.
Carter was pulled from the team to play the Waratahs after failing to recover from a neck injury.
"He was involved in most of the preparation for that match anyway, until we had to pull him out through injury, so we are benefiting from a bit of consistency in terms of having the core of the group involved."
Brett is part of a three-back, four-forward bench, a more traditional split among the substitutes, after using just two backline options off the bench in their last two matches.
Deans said that with the returning reconditioned All Blacks having had a couple of matches, the team could afford the additional back cover.
The Crusaders are second in the table with 27 points while the Western Force are third with 25.
John Mitchell's team, who have been based in Christchurch since the weekend, are the best performed of the Australian sides this year.
They are on a roll of three straight wins including last weekend's gritty 22-12 win over the Sharks.
Mitchell's team have strong road form, having won both their matches in South Africa earlier in the competition, and drawn with the Waratahs in Sydney.
The two teams drew 23-23 at their only previous Super 14 meeting, in Perth, last year.
Team:
Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Michael Paterson, Ross Filipo, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves:
Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Kieran Read, Johnny Leo'o, Kevin Senio, Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton.
- NZPA
