Crusaders v Waratahs: Teams

Sonny Bill Williams will make his Super Rugby debut on Friday when the Crusaders take on the Waratahs.

The match is likely to be an emotionally charged encounter, with the game moved to Trafalgar Park in Nelson following the earthquake that killed at least 160 people in Christchurch.

Nelson will be the seven-time champions' temporary home - with Williams hoping the Crusaders can give the region's citizens some joy with their performance on the pitch.

"I'm not going to stand here and say I know what (people in Christchurch) are going through because I did not lose a loved one," said Williams.

"This is definitely a game for the Canterbury people and hopefully it will take their minds off what has been happening around them for 80 minutes. We have to go back to normality and be the big, strong rugby players that we are."

Test

The 25-year-old Williams has recovered from a stress fracture of the foot to take his place in the Crusaders midfield.

Whitelock moves to wing to accommodate the inclusion of Williams, with Tu Umaga-Marshall ruled out through injury.

The unbeaten Waratahs face the biggest test of the season, with coach Chris Hickey hoping a good performance can provide a platform for his side for the rest of the campaign.

"You never win these competitions in the first two or three weeks, but you can set yourself up with an opportunity to be there at the end of the year," said Hickey.

"Hopefully if we can perform this weekend, we can do that."

The 'Tahs will be without Australia ace Berrick Barnes after the playmaker suffered a head injury in the 30-6 victory against the Reds.

Captain Phil Waugh is available, though, after he made a speedy recovery from a torn bicep.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams,11 Adam Whitelock, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Tom Marshall.

Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Pat McCutcheon, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Afa Pakalani.