The Crusaders made four changes on Wednesday to their starting 15 to play Super Rugby rugby rivals the Blues at Timaru on Saturday night.

Lock Sam Whitelock returns after a layoff of more than two months due to an ankle injury while halfback Andy Ellis is back from a broken thumb which sidelined him since late April.

Whitelock comes in for Chris Jack and Ellis for Willi Heinz in personnel changes from the side who lost to the Reds in Brisbane on May 29.

As well, Ben Franks will start at loosehead prop ahead of Wyatt Crockett and openside flanker Matt Todd replaces captain Richie McCaw, who is again by discomfort in a foot which had troubled him this season.

Number eight Kieran Read will captain the side in McCaw's absence.

Coach Todd Blackadder is looking for another good performance from the Crusaders in Timaru following his side's 27-0 victory over the Bulls there on April 9.

"This match will be a big occasion. The Blues are a top team, they beat us in round one and both teams have everything to play for.

"We're well rested after our bye in the weekend but will have to turn up ready to go on Saturday night."

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Brent Ward, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (capt), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz, Mat Berquist, Ryan Crotty.

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