The Crusaders have made just one injury-enforced change to their team to tackle the Blues at AMI Stadium on Friday night.
Coach Todd Blackadder has retained faith in the side that sustained a narrow defeat against the Chiefs last weekend, with Pete Samu coming into the reserves in place of Reed Prinsep after the loose forward suffered a nasty head knock in that game.
"While we didn't get the result we wanted against the Chiefs last weekend, we actually felt really pleased with the team's performance," Blackadder said. "The physicality and intent that the team showed for most of the game was fantastic, and we felt that we were dominant in many respects for a good portion of that game. That is what makes the loss even more frustrating for the players, though.
"We know that those players will only be more determined this week to take another step up, so we want to give them the opportunity to go out there and show what they are really capable of."
Crusaders team to play the Blues:
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Samuel Whitelock (c)
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Tim Boys
8. Kieran Read
9. Andy Ellis
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Kieron Fonotia
13. Sean Wainui
14. Jone Macilai
15. David Havili
Reserves
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Mike Alaalatoa
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Pete Samu
21. Leon Fukofuka
22. Ben Volavola
23. Johnny McNicholl
