Two changes for Crusaders

The Crusaders have made a couple of changes to their starting 15 for Saturday's Super 12 clash against the Reds in Nelson.

Mose Tuiali'i gets his first start of the season at number eight, coming in for the injured Sam Broomhall.

Leon MacDonald also makes his first start after being a late withdrawal last week. He replaces Scott Hamilton at fullback, with Hamilton dropping to the bench.

Andrew Mehrtens is back on the bench after missing last week's win over the Chiefs due to the tsunami charity game in London.

Mehrtens replaces Vilimoni Delasau who is away with the Fijian sevens team.

The starting side is: Dave Hewett, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Kevin O'Neill, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw (captain), Mose Tuiali'i, Justin Marshall, Dan Carter, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Casey Laulala, Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald.

The reserves are: Tone Kopelani, Greg Feek, Craig Clarke, Sam Harding, Jamie Nutbrown, Andrew Mehrtens and Scott Hamilton.

- NEWSTALK ZB