Crusaders v Bulls: Teams

The Crusaders welcome back wing Jared Payne for Friday's Super 14 match with the Bulls in Christchurch.

If Payne's ankle responds well to training on Wednesday, he will take his place on the right wing, replacing Adam Whitelock, who will drop to the bench.

Payne has not played for the Crusaders since suffering an ankle sprain in the Round Three loss to the Highlanders on March 7.

In other changes, prop Bronson Murray has a sore calf muscle and will not play. Owen Franks will replace him at tighthead, with Peter Borlase coming on to the bench as cover.

Andy Ellis (sore ribs) will be replaced at scrum-half by Kahn Fotuali'i, with Tyson Keats coming into the reserves.

Really excited

George Whitelock (cut thigh) comes back at openside flanker, replacing Nasi Manu, who drops to the reserves.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder acknowledged the Bulls are a big, tough team, but is confident his side will give a good account of themselves after wins against the Waratahs in Sydney and Stormers in Christchurch.

"We're really excited about playing one of the form teams in the competition, especially at home," he said.

"We know they have a big pack but we just have to be more efficient and smart in the things we do. If you run directly at them it plays into their hands.

"But these challenges are what rugby is all about. I'm sure the players will be up to the task on Friday night."

The Bulls have been given a timely double boost ahead of their clash with the Crusaders as both Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana return to the starting line-up.

Matfield will skipper the side as he returns after a shoulder injury to scrum in the second row alongside Bakkies Botha.

Positive vibe

Botha's second row partner, Danie Rossouw, is moved to flank. With Rossouw playing in a loose trio in the company of Pierre Spies and Dewald Potgieter, Pedrie Wanneburg will be used as an impact player.

The former IRB Player of the Year Bryan Habana wears the number eleven jersey, taking the place of rookie Gerhard van den Heever but the rest of the backline that played against the Highlanders is unchanged.

Chiliboy Ralepelle will again start at hooker and coach Frans Ludeke has included Derick Kuun, Werner Kruger and Jaco Engels on the bench.

Ludeke admitted that it is great to have world class players such as Matfield and Habana back in the team and they bring a very positive vibe to the squad.

"Victor and Bryan have worked hard throughout the last four weeks to make a full recovery and they are both hungry and eager to make a huge contribution," he said.

Ludeke added that it is in the best interest of the team to play Rossouw at flank mainly because he is one of their best ball carriers and he has been playing superb rugby in the first six matches.

"Danie is one of our players that have been producing the goods every time he plays and he has no problem slotting in at flank."

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Colin Slade, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Khan Fotuali'i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Peter Borlase, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Ryan Crotty, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements:16 Jaco Engels, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Pedrie Wannenburg, 19 Derick Kuün, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Burton Francis, 22 JP Nel.