Contrasting approaches to Saturday's Super Rugby derby in Christchurch - the visiting Highlanders have named an unchanged side while the Crusaders only leave their backline unchanged.
Crusaders captain Kieran Read Photo: Photosport
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes in the forwards to face the Highlanders, with Joe Moody and Owen Franks the starting props this week, and Alex Hodgman and Nepo Laulala providing cover from the bench.
Jimmy Tupou starts at lock this week alongside Sam Whitelock, and Scott Barrett is in the reserves.
Colin Slade (L) and fellow Crusaders All Black Matt Todd Photo: Photosport
The Crusaders have returned from their South African trip after thrashing the Sharks in Durban while the Highlanders return from a week off for the bye.
Also taking a spot on the bench is Daniel Carter, who has returned from paternity leave. Richie McCaw also rides the pine.
The game will be Owen Franks' 100th game for the Crusaders.
Crusaders:
1 Joe Moody
2 Ben Funnell
3 Owen Franks
4 Jimmy Tupou
5 Sam Whitelock
6 Jordan Taufua
7 Matt Todd
8 Kieran Read (c)
9 Andy Ellis
10 Colin Slade
11 Nemani Nadolo
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Kieron Fonotia
14 David Havili
15 Israel Dagg
Reserves:
16 Codie Taylor
17 Alex Hodgman
18 Nepo Laulala
19 Scott Barrett
20 Richie McCaw
21 Mitchell Drummond
22 Dan Carter
23 Nafi Tuitavake
Highlanders:
1. Brendon Edmonds
2. Ash Dixon
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Tom Franklin
5. Joe Wheeler
6. Elliot Dixon
7. James Lentjes
8. Nasi Manu ( c )
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Shaun Treeby
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith ( c )
Reserves:
16. Liam Coltman
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Pingi Tala'apitaga
19. Mark Reddish
20. Dan Pryor
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Marty Banks
23. Jason Emery
