Crusaders v Stormers: Teams

Flanker Nasi Manu and centre Casey Laulala come into the Crusaders starting line-up for the Super 14 match against the Stormers at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

Twenty-year-old Manu will start at openside flanker in place of George Whitelock, who suffered a cut thigh from a sprig in the victory over the Waratahs in Sydney last Saturday.

Laulala, who has recovered from the shoulder injury picked up in the round three loss to the Hurricanes, starts at centre.

Tim Bateman, who started at centre against the Waratahs, has been bracketed with Ryan Crotty at inside centre due to a minor knee strain. A decision will be made on him on Firday.

Tasman flanker Jonathan Poff comes into the 22 for the first time as cover at loose forward.

Wing Kade Poki has recovered from his sprained ankle which he injured against the Hurricanes and will start on the reserves bench instead of Blair Cook.

"It's great to have Casey back - he's a quality player. In saying that though, Tim Bateman and Ryan Crotty worked very together in the midfield against the Waratahs. They were spot on in terms of their attitude on defence and attack," said Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder.

"As for Nasi, he made a big impact when he came off the bench against the Waratahs and we're sure that will continue into our next game this week against the Stormers. He's a young bloke with plenty of energy and will go well."

Captain Jean de Villiers is set to make his 50th appearance for the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday.

Fresh from a week's rest, head coach Rassie Erasmus has also opted to employ Peter Grant at inside centre with Willem de Waal continuing in the fly-half position.

Elsewhere, full-back Conrad Jantjes returns to the squad for replacement duty and Gcobani Bobo switches to wing to accommodate for Grant's inclusion.

The Crusaders enter the game on the back of a morale-boosting victory over the Waratahs and will be looking to add another four points on home turf this weekend.

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman/Ryan Crotty, 11 Colin Slade, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Nasi Manu, 6 Kieran Read (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Ryan Crotty/Hamish Gard, 22 Kade Poki.

Stormers: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Gcobani Bobo, 13 Jean De Villiers (capt), 12 Peter Grant, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Willem De Waal, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Luke Watson, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 AJ Venter, 4 Adriaan Fondse, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 JD Moller, 18 Hilton Lobberts, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Dewaldt Duvenage, 21 Dylan Des Fountain, 22 Conrad Jantjes.