Rugby: Crockett joins Thorn on Crusaders bench

All Black and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders have opted for continuity in making just one change to their bench for Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett has shaken off an ankle sprain and joins the reserves in place of Peter Borlase.

Otherwise coach Todd Blackadder has kept the same side who beat the Highlanders in the first round match at Christchurch on Saturday.

That means All Blacks lock Brad Thorn is on the bench again, with Isaac Ross and Sam Whitelock to start.

Meanwhile, Queensland have lost veteran forwards Sean Hardman and Van Humphries for the Suncorp Stadium clash.

Hooker Hardman has succumbed to an ankle injury he sustained in the 30-28 loss to NSW while second rower Humphries is suffering from a head knock.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has restructured his pack with skipper James Horwill moving from the back row to lock, giving teenager Jake Schatz a surprise start at blind-side flanker.

Saia Faingaa has been promoted from the bench to start at hooker while James Hanson is one of four new faces on the bench.

Among them are former Wallabies Greg Holmes (ribs) and Leroy Houston (knee) who have worked their way back from injuries.

McKenzie said Schatz, an uncontracted Academy player, had earned the opportunity after impressing in pre-season training and all three trial matches.

"Jake has shown plenty of promise and maturity in the pre-season," he said.

"We need to give these guys an opportunity and he gets his chance against some of the best in the business."

Crusaders
Colin Slade, Jared Payne, Robert Fruean, Tim Bateman, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (captain), Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Brad Thorn, Jonathan Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Adam Whitelock, Sean Maitland.

Reds
Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Morgan Turinui, Anthony Faingaa, Rod Davies, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Daniel Braid, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (captain), Adam Byrnes, Laurie Weeks, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley.

Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Robert Simmons, Leroy Houston, Richard Kingi, Tim Walsh, Will Chambers.

- NZPA, AAP