Incoming Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has been raising his voice at training this week as his Crusaders prepare for the Super 14 rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

It is perhaps not too surprising given the Crusaders' performance last week when they succumbed 26-14 to the lowly-placed Highlanders in their last match of the regular season.

Deans has responded by becoming increasingly vocal and on Thursday made five "performance-related" changes to his starting 15 in an attempt to lift the table-topping Crusaders out of their comfort zone.

Prop Wyatt Crockett and blindside flanker Kieran Read come in for Ben Franks and Reuben Thorne, respectively, winger Scott Hamilton returns to the backline where there is a change to the midfield combination, with centre Casey Laulala and Tim Bateman taking over from Caleb Ralph and Stephen Brett.

Brett, winger Sean Maitland, Thorne and Franks have been moved to the bench and Ralph has been dropped from the match-day squad.

Deans has a high regard for the bruising style of play the Hurricanes are expected to bring south and said he had selected the strongest combination possible for the match.

Banished from the squad for the last month so he could regain form playing for his club team, Hamilton was back in the starting 15 because of his greater experience over 19-year-old Maitland, Deans said.

The All Blacks winger has fond memories of a previous semifinal against the Hurricanes when he scored three tries in the Crusaders' 47-7 win at the same stage of the 2005 championship.

Deans said Hamilton had shown his commitment by "getting involved" and upping his workrate during several matches for his club.

"It's good for the soul, club footie," he said.

"Scottie, without being too harsh, was probably taking it for granted a little bit and he's refound his love for (rugby).

"Experience is valuable, so long as you're excited about what's in front of you. And he's certainly that now," Deans said.

Laulala was always scheduled to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against the Highlanders following a knock he sustained against the Queensland Reds the previous week.

Deans said Bateman performed strongly starting at inside centre during the seven matches before last weekend, when he came off the bench.

"So he's back in the saddle and good to go. There wasn't a lot in it, but we just felt that Timmy would serve our need this week."

After returning last weekend from an injury-enforced five-week break, Thorne has given way to Read, who is being touted as a likely All Blacks contender.

Oliver's record for most appearances for a New Zealand franchise.

Deans pledged more accuracy and better discipline this week after the Crusaders conceded 10 penalties against the Highlanders.

"That was an aberration and you won't see it this week," he said.

"That's something we've taken pride in and we're right up there in terms of being the most disciplined team."

Deans said he rated the Hurricanes highly.

"You don't get to this part of the competition without earning the right.

"There's four teams who've earned the right and the reality is there'll only be two left after the weekend."

He said the Hurricanes had been gaining consistency.

"And they'll also bring that passion that they've always had."

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Reuben Thorne, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Stephen Brett, Sean Maitland.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (or Chris Masoe), Masoe (or Scott Waldrom), Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Res: Hikawera Elliot, Neemia Tialata, Craig Clarke, Scott Waldrom (or Thomas Waldrom), Alby Mathewson, Jimmy Gopperth, Tamati Ellison.

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