Crusaders change four for Force

Editor

Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder has made four changes to his run-on side for Saturday's clash with the Western Force in Perth.

Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder has made four changes to his run-on side for Saturday's clash with the Western Force in Perth.

Corey Flynn returns to the number two jersey 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 comes in for Sam Whitelock in the second row while Shane Christie earns his first appearance for the Crusaders in the number seven jersey.

Israel Dagg returns to full-back, 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: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Tom Marshall, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Shane Christie, 6 George Whitelock (c), 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Jordan Taufua, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Telusa Veainu, 22 Zac Guildford.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Venue: NIB Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.45 (11.45 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)