Reds v Crusaders: Teams

The Reds have been hit by the loss of forwards Sean Hardman and Van Humphries for the Super 14 clash with the Crusaders.

Hooker Hardman has succumbed to an ankle injury he sustained in the 30-28 loss to the Waratahs while lock Humphries is suffering from a head knock.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has restructured his pack with skipper James Horwill moving from the back row to lock, giving teenager Jake Schatz a surprise start at blindside flank.

Saia Faingaa has been promoted from the bench to start at hooker while James Hanson is one of four new faces on the bench.

Among them are former Wallabies Greg Holmes (ribs) and Leroy Houston (knee) who have worked their way back from injuries.

"Jake has shown plenty of promise and maturity in the pre-season," said McKenzie. "We need to give these guys an opportunity and he gets his chance against some of the best in the business."

Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder is able to name an unchanged line-up following the 32-17 victory over the Highlanders.

The only change to the 22 for the Crusaders is the inclusion of prop Wyatt Crockett on the reserves bench in place of Peter Borlase, who is still struggling with an ankle injury.

Scrum-half Andy Ellis will play his 50th game for the franchise. The All Blacks number nine made his debut for the Crusaders in 2006, coincidentally against the Reds.

Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Rod Davies, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 James Horwill, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Robert Simmons, 19 Leroy Houston, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Tim Walsh, 22 Will Chambers.

Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Brad Thorn, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Sean Maitland.