Crusaders v Highlanders: Teams

McCaw: Soreness

The Crusaders have been forced to rest New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw for the visit of the Highlanders.

McCaw made his seasonal return off the bench in the victory over the Chiefs, but the flanker has subsequently suffered soreness in the same foot he suffered a stress fracture in during pre-season.

The absence of McCaw is one of a number of changes made by Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder for the clash.

Wyatt Crockett, Quentin MacDonald and Joe Wheeler come into the pack, while Andy Ellis, Adam Whitelock and Tom Marshall are handed starts in the backs.

Ellis, who is handed the captaincy, will partner Matt Berquist at half-back with Dan Carter also still on the sidelines.

The Highlanders have also made six changes to their line-up for the trip to Nelson.

Jarrad Hoeata, John Hardie, Tom Donnelly, Mo Schwalger, Tony Brown and Robbie Robinson all come into the starting XV - with in-form flank Adam Thomson among those missing.

There is an additional positional switch, with former All Black Ben Smith moving from full-back to inside centre.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Andy Ellis (c), 8 Joe Wheeler, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Sonny Bill Williams, 22 Sean Maitland.

Highlanders: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 James Paterson, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Ben Smith, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Tony Brown, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Tom Donnelly, 3 Chris King, 2 Mo Schwalger, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 David Te Moana, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Matt Saunders, 22 Telusa Veainu.