Rugby: Crusaders rest stars

Former All Black Chris Jack is in line for his first appearance for the Crusaders since 2007. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Colin Slade gets his first start for the Crusaders in his preferred first five-eighth position, replacing All Black Dan Carter for the sixth round Super 14 rugby clash against the struggling Lions in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.

Even though the Crusaders have a bye next week, the coaching staff have taken the opportunity to rest four All Black forwards - prop Wyatt Crockett, lock Brad Thorn and loose forwards Kieran Read and George Whitelock for the match against the South African side.

The Lions are second-last on the points table having conceded 228 points in five rounds including a 73-12 drubbing by the Waratahs last week.

Apart from Slade replacing Carter, the only other backline change is at centre where Adam Whitelock, a reserve for the first five weeks, starts at centre ahead of Robbie Fruean.

Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Jonathan Poff and Thomas Waldrom come in for Crockett, Thorn, George Whitelock and Read, respectively.

Crusaders backs coach Daryl Gibson said today that steps had been taken to ensure there was no complacency in the camp.

"We've talked a lot about being professional this week and what that means - I think a professional performance is required," Gibson said.

"A team that hasn't had a victory are very dangerous in that they've got nothing to lose and they will go out and play.

"The Lions have shown their willingness to run the ball, probably to their detriment at times, but I'm sure they'll come and really attack us."

It was important that the Crusaders ensured their home ground remained a fortress and the unbeaten home record (three from three) this season was maintained.

"If you win your home games and sneak some away then you've got a good chance of making the top four as we saw last year. Our approach this year is no different."

While Slade had started at fullback or played that position off the bench in previous weeks it was time to give him a chance at first five-eighth meaning Carter went to the reserves, he said.

"Also with an eye on the All Blacks selection that's an area where someone needs to fill a pretty sizable hole in the future and this is a good opportunity for him."

Gibson was "very pleased" with how the Crusaders' backline took it to their vaunted Chiefs opposites in the gritty 26-19 win in Hamilton last round.

"It was a very mature performance when you look at the backline through age - we're relatively inexperienced so we're delighted at how they are going and I think it is very good for New Zealand rugby that we've got potentially young stars of the future.

"Obviously we've got experienced pivots in Kahn (Fotuali'i), Andy (Ellis) and DC (Carter) who ensure the backline is well-marshalled and kept under tap, but it is also great for those (three) players that they've got such an exciting backline to unleash."

The Lions, with their often unpredictable game, have caused problems for the Crusaders in recent clashes and upset them in Johannesburg in 2007.

The Crusaders won at home, 31-6, in 2008 and 32-20 away last year, but it was only late in the piece that they gained the ascendancy.

Crusaders
Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Adam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, Jonathan Poff, Richie McCaw (captain), Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett, Chris Jack, George Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Daniel Carter, Robbie Fruean.

Lions
Earl Rose, Wigan Pekeur, Walter Venter, Doppies la Grange, Wandile Mjekevu, Burton Francis, Jano Vermaak, Todd Clever, Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Franco van der Merwe, George Earle, Ross Geldenhuys, Hannes Franklin, JC Janse van Rensburg.

Reserves: Charles Emslie, Heinke van der Merwe, Willem Stoltz, Robert Kruger/Jacques Lombaard, Jacques Coetzee, Carlos Spencer, Michael Killian.

- NZPA