The Crusaders face the first match in a challenging road trip with a rejigged line-up when they meet the Stormers in Cape Town this weekend.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the team that ran in seven tries against the Southern Kings in last week’s 55-20 victory in Christchurch.
Luke Whitelock takes over the No.8 jersey, replacing injured skipper Kieran Read, while Tyler Bleyendaal moves into five-eighth as Dan Carter remains in New Zealand to be at the birth of his first child.
Israel Dagg returns to fullback after a late hamstring injury ruled him out last week, moving Tom Marshall back to the wing and Zac Guildford to the bench.
Flanker George Whitelock, who scored three tries last week, will captain the side.
After Sunday’s match, the Crusaders take on the Sharks in Durban, then travel to Perth to play the Force on April 13 before returning to Christchurch for their round 10 match against the Highlanders.
Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (captain), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Adam Whitelock, Zac Guildford.