Four changes have been made to the Crusaders run-on side, with Oli Jager returning from a thumb injury to start at tighthead prop, and Fletcher Newell moving to the reserves. Zach Gallagher gets his first start in DHL Super Rugby Pacific, as he joins Captain and locking partner, Scott Barrett, in the second row. Gallagher replaces Quinten Strange, who suffered a calf injury against the Hurricanes that will see him sidelined for several weeks.
In the backs, Bryn Hall will wear the nine jersey at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond set to provide impact from the bench. The final change sees Leicester Fainga’anuku start on the left wing, and George Bridge move to the reserves.
Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Blues is 7:05pm, Friday 15th April at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
A large home crowd is expected for this crucial round robin match, with tickets still available from TICKETEK or from the box office on game day.