KEY POINTS:
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has made four changes to his team for the Super 14 rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Deans has the luxury of changing a winning combination who last weekend swept aside Western Force 53-0.
Scott Hamilton returns to the wing in the place of Rico Gear, after starting from the reserves bench against the Force, while Kevin Senio takes over at halfback from Andrew Ellis.
In the forwards, prop Ben Franks switches roles with Wyatt Crockett, after the latter had started in the loosehead position over the past month, while Isaac Ross comes in for the injured Michael Paterson at lock.
Crockett and Ellis are listed among the reserves, where Gear has been bracketed alongside midfield back Rua Tipoki.
Tipoki returned to duty via an outing for the Linwood club last weekend, after injuring his hamstring before the match against the Sharks in Durban at the start of March.
Deans said the changes to last weekend's team reflected a desire to spread out the playing load among a wider group of players.
Only three players -- hooker Corey Flynn, centre Casey Laulala and No 8 Mose Tuiali'i -- have started in each of the team's nine matches to date.
"By spreading the work, we are helping to keep everyone fresh, while also ensuring the opportunity is shared out across a wider group of players," Deans said.
- NZPA
