KEY POINTS:
The Crusaders have made three changes to their starting 15 as they seek a third successive win in the Super 14 rugby competition against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday morning (NZT).
A win at Newlands would see the Crusaders complete an unbeaten tour of South Africa for the first time since 2002.
The alterations from the starting combination who beat the Bulls 54-19 at Pretoria last weekend see Caleb Ralph take over from the unavailable Scott Hamilton on the left wing, while props Wyatt Crockett and Campbell Johnstone step in for Ben Franks and Greg Somerville respectively.
All Black Somerville is listed among the reserves, among three changes to this group from last week, with winger Sean Maitland and midfield back Tim Bateman also being included.
Hamilton is omitted, having returned to New Zealand for the week due to personal circumstances.
"We feel this is the best mix of our resources for this particular contest," Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said.
"Obviously we had to make a change in the backline, with Scotty being unavailable this week, and Caleb made an impact when he came on against the Bulls, so that selection was a fairly obvious one."
Deans said the front row changes reflected a desire to divide the workload among the team's bigger men.
"The Bulls were very physical last week, and that first 30 minutes took a lot out of our guys," he said.
"As such, we just feel this is a good opportunity to share the workload around a little bit and give a couple of other guys an opportunity."
Crusaders
Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland.
- NZPA
