Crusaders v Blues: Teams

The Crusaders have handed Richie McCaw his first start of the season for the visit of the Blues - although the All Blacks captain will wearing the unfamiliar No.6 jersey.

McCaw, who was rested for the start of the season, replaces the injured Thomas Waldrom - with regular blindside Kieran Read moving to No.8.

In the only other change, prop Ben Franks misses out so is replaced by his brother Owen in the front row.

The match will pit the Crusaders against their former fly-half Stephen Brett - and McCaw is relishing the match-up.

"We know a bit about him, like he knows a bit about us," said McCaw.

"You give him time and space and he's very good at what he does, so if we can put him under pressure and shut down quality ball getting to him then there will be opportunities to put their backline under pressure."

The Blues backline remains untouched from the win over the Reds - although coach Pat Lam has tweaked his pack.

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock will make his first start of the season at the expense of Charlie Faumuina to form an all-Test front row alongside skipper Keven Mealamu and John Afoa.

Lam has also recalled Viliami Ma'afu at No.8 after Peter Saili was ruled out.

Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Freuan, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (c), 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Peter Borlase. 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade

Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Tom Chamberlain, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 George Pisi.