First five Colin Slade will make his debut for the Crusaders in their opening Super 14 match against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.
Slade starts in the number 10 jersey vacated by All Black Dan Carter with Tim bateman outside him, while Stephen Brett is in the reserves.
Corey Flynn starts for the champions at hooker having recovered from the broken arm he suffered on the All Blacks end of year tour, while Brad Thorn and Ross Filipo are the locks and former Hurricane Thomas Waldrom starts at number eight.
Leon MacDonald, starts at fullback after missing most of last season with concussion..
