Colin Slade: Gets a rare start
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has benched five of his All Blacks ahead of the visit of the Lions to the Crusaders on Saturday.
Dan Carter, prop Wyatt Crockett, lock Brad Thorn and loose forwards Kieran Read and George Whitelock are all rested despite the bye week coming next week, with Colin Slade, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Thomas Waldrom - back from injury - and Jonathan Poff all getting rare starts.
In the centre, impressive centre Robbie Fruean is rested and Adam Whitelock gets a run.
On the bench, Chris Jack will make his return to Super Rugby at some point in the game after off-season wrist surgery.
Crusaders backs coach Daryl Gibson said that steps had been taken to ensure there was no complacency in the camp ahead of the match against the Lions, still reeling from the reco0rd-breaking defeat to the Waratahs last week.
"We've talked a lot about being professional this week and what that means - I think a professional performance is required," Gibson said to NZPA.
"A team that hasn't had a victory are very dangerous in that they've got nothing to lose and they will go out and play.
"The Lions have shown their willingness to run the ball, probably to their detriment at times, but I'm sure they'll come and really attack us.
"If you win your home games and sneak some away then you've got a good chance of making the top four as we saw last year. Our approach this year is no different."
Gibson was "very pleased" with how the Crusaders' backline took it to their vaunted Chiefs opposites in the gritty 26-19 win in Hamilton last round.
"It was a very mature performance when you look at the backline through age - we're relatively inexperienced so we're delighted at how they are going and I think it is very good for New Zealand rugby that we've got potentially young stars of the future.
"Obviously we've got experienced pivots in Kahn (Fotuali'i), Andy (Ellis) and DC (Carter) who ensure the backline is well-marshalled and kept under tap, but it is also great for those (three) players that they've got such an exciting backline to unleash."
Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Adam Whitelock, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Richie McCaw (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Chris Jack, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Daniel Carter, 22 Robbie Fruean.
Date: Saturday, March 20
Venue: AMI Stadium
Kick-off: 17.30 (04.30 GMT)
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