Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to his starting side to face the Force in Perth on Saturday night.
Corey Flynn returns at hooker moving Ben Funnell to the bench. The game will mark the 250th first class game of rugby for Flynn. A record that is shared by only 50 players in the history of New Zealand Rugby.
Dominic Bird replaces Sam Whitelock in the starting fifteen while Shane Christie earns his first appearance for the Crusaders in the number seven jersey. Israel Dagg returns to fullback, moving Tom Marshall to the wing and Zac Guildford onto the bench.
Dan Carter has been ruled out of this weekend's game following a hamstring strain sustained at training. He has returned to New Zealand and will undergo further medical assessment but is likely to be out of the game for a couple of weeks.
Crusaders team to play the Force:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Dominic Bird, 6. George Whitelock (c), 7. Shane Christie, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Tom Marshall, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Adam Whitelock, 15. Israel Dagg. Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Tom Donnelly, 19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Telusa Veainu, 22. Zac Guildford.
