Super Rugby: Crusaders v Highlanders match preview

The Crusaders have made one change to their line-up for the crunch clash with the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Sam Whitelock has returned to full fitness after his late withdrawal last week, so the lock goes straight back into the starting XV, with Jimmy Tupou dropping to the bench.

Although the Crusaders have already secured a place in the playoffs, they are chasing the win that would see them advance straight to the semi-finals.

The Highlanders, though, are chasing a semi-final spot of their own and Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder knows it will be a tough match.

"The Highlanders are also a gutsy side and we know that they will be putting everything they've got into this encounter,” he said.

“We are going to have to put in the performance of the season to come out on top, and that is exactly what the team has committed to doing."

Medication

The Highlanders’ hopes have not been helped by news All Black full-back Ben Smith has been ruled out.

Smith was forced to remain in a Sydney hospital following the loss to the Waratahs due to a leg infection.

Smith was released on Tuesday however he remains on medication and coach Jamie Joseph has opted against risking him.

That means Trent Renata will start at full-back as one of four changes to the side, with Liam Coltman, Chris King and Hayden Parker also coming into the starting XV.

Crusaders: 15 Dagg, 14 Fonotia, 13 Crotty, 12 Carter, 11 Nadolo, 10 Slade, 9 Ellis, 1 Crockett, 2 Funnell, 3 O Franks, 4 Bird, 5 S Whitelock, 6 Taufua, 7 Todd, 8 Read (c).
Replacements: 16 Flynn, 17 Moody, 18 Laulala, 19 Tupou, 20 L Whitelock, 21 Heinz, 22 Taylor, 23 McNicholl.

Highlanders: 15 Renata, 14 Buckman, 13 Fekitoa, 12 Treeby, 11 Osborne, 10 Parker, 9 A Smith, 1 Hames, 2 Coltman, 3 King, 4 Franklin, 5 Wheeler, 6 Dixon, 7 Christie, 8 Manu (c).
Replacements: 16 Robinson, 17 Diaz, 18 Koen, 19 Bekhuis, 20 Evans, 21 Tanaka, 22 Sopoaga, 23 Burleigh.