Hurricanes v Crusaders: Teams

The Hurricanes have recalled scrum-half Piri Weepu to their starting XV for the clash with the Crusaders on Saturday.

Having lost four matches on the bounce, the Hurricanes have turned to the All Blacks No.9 in a bid to turn their season around.

Weepu has been named on the bench in recent weeks, with Tyson Keats having been preferred by coach Colin Cooper.

The Wellington outfit have also included the fit-again Hosea Gear for the match, with Tamati Ellison sidelined.

The Crusaders have rung the changes for the all-New Zealand showdown.

Isaac Ross is missing from the squad as coach Todd Blackadders starts with Sam Whitelock and Brad Thorn in the second row, with Chris Jack named on the bench.

Wyatt Crockett, George Whitelock and Kieran Read also come in to the pack, while Andy Ellis and Dan Carter team up at half-back.

Colin Slade is moved to full-back to accommodate the return of Carter, who is four short of 1,000 Super Rugby points, while Robbie Fruean starts at centre ahead of Adam Whitelock.

Dan Perrin, who played five matches for the Crusaders last season, comes on to the bench as cover for hooker in the absence of the injured Corey Flynn.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Andre Taylor, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Jason Kawau.

Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robert Fruean, 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 Daniel Perrin, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Jared Payne.