Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to his starting side to face the Sharks in Durban this week with former All Black Andy Ellis returning at halfback.
In other changes Zac Guildford moves to the left wing to replace Johnny McNicholl who fractured his fibula in last weekend's game against the Stormers. While Adam Whitelock takes his place on the right wing.
Following training overnight Corey Flynn incurred an eye injury with Ben Funnell moving into the starting fifteen while Codie Taylor is flying to South Africa to join his teammates and take a place on the bench.
Also on the bench Telusa Veainu will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Crusaders if he makes it onto the field.
The Sharks are currently sitting near the top of the table having won four out of five games and have come off a bye last week. The two teams last met in 2011 in the playoffs where the Crusaders won 36-8 securing a place in the semi-finals.
Crusaders team to play the Sharks:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock (c), 7. Matt Todd, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Adam Whitelock, 15. Tom Marshall. Reserves: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Dominic Bird, 19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Telusa Veainu, 22. Israel Dagg
