Crusaders centre Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of Saturday night's Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes with a hip injury.

Ryan Crotty takes over at inside centre in the absence of Williams, who suffered bruising and a tear to his hip area after a tackle by Blues' opposite Benson Stanley last Saturday and is the only change to the side that won 23-16 in Timaru.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said they were looking for an improved performance in Wellington in the last round of the regular Super Rugby season.

"Our performance will be critical for us in this match. We were happy with the victory over the Blues last weekend but didn't finish off a few opportunities and we'll be looking to put that right against the Hurricanes," he said.

All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw (foot), Israel Dagg (thigh), Sean Maitland (foot), Kahn Fotuali'i (knee) and Adam Whitelock (chest muscle) were not considered for selection.

The Crusaders are in third spot, one point clear of the Blues and one point behind the Stormers who trail leaders Queensland by four points.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has named an unchanged line-up.

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Brent Ward, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), 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, Tu Umaga-Marshall.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Alapati Leiua, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger. Reserves: Laurence Corlett, Anthony Perenise, Jason Eaton, Mark Reddish, Chris Eaton, Jayden Hayward, Richard Buckman.

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