KEY POINTS:
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans is counting on extra enthusiasm and energy in making six changes to his side to face the winless Cheetahs in their Super 14 rugby match at AMI Stadium tonight No 8 Nasi Manu and hooker Ti'i Paulo will make the starting lineup for the first time in the competition.
Winger Sean Maitland, flanker Reuben Thorne, lock Michael Paterson and prop Wyatt Crockett are the other new starters. Maitland steps in for Caleb Ralph on the left wing in the only backline change from the team that beat Western Force 29-24 in Perth on Sunday. None of the changes is forced by injury, with five of the six demoted players going on the reserves bench.
Playing the Cheetahs, who have yet to record a win from their first four games, is an appropriate time to freshen the side, says Deans.
"What we get out of [the changes] is some fresh legs and some real enthusiasm, hopefully," he said after the unbeaten Crusaders' training run at their Rugby Park headquarters yesterday. "Obviously it's a great opportunity for those blokes and we've got a bit of experience that goes to the bench."
Expecting a tough time from the big Cheetahs forward pack, Deans has opted for a five-two split between forwards and backs on the bench - the first time the Crusaders have used the tactic this season.
In the loose forwards, Manu and Thorne come in for Mose Tuiali'i and Kieran Read, Paterson replaces Ali Williams at lock, Paulo takes Corey Flynn's hooking spot and Crockett starts at prop for Greg Somerville. Ben Franks shifts from loosehead to the tighthead side in the front row.
Deans said he believed the fresh combination would best serve the Crusaders this week - in the fifth round.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said the eight changes to his team from last week were part of his policy to give all the players in the squad an opportunity on tour, and his side was by no means waving the white flag after their fourth consecutive defeat to the Chiefs last Saturday.
- NZPA
