Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock has been ruled out of the match against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night because of illness.
Whitelock, who proved so instrumental in staying calm when the Crusaders scored 31 unanswered points to fight back and beat the Waratahs 31‑29 last weekend, has been replaced by Quinten Strange in the second row.
Fiji born wingers Seta Tamanivalu was named to start at right wing while his nephew Manasa Mataele will come off the bench.
Matt Todd will lead the team in Whitelock's absence while All Blacks tighthead prop Owen Franks and midfielder Ryan Crotty are back in the starting side as the Crusaders attempt to extend their six‑game winning streak against the Blues.
The Crusaders will take on the Blues at 7.35pm Saturday.
Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd (captain), Heiden Bedwell‑Curtis, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Tim Perry. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Mitchell Dunshea, Pete Samu, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele.
Source: Stuff.co
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