Crusaders building towards perfection

It will be both teams' second pre-season game ahead of this year's expanded Super Rugby competition. Wyatt Crockett and Andy Ellis are the two new faces in the Crusaders team with Sam Whitelock captainig the side.

Blackadder said the pre-season is about giving all players a chance to show what they've got and try out combinations with each other.

"We were really pleased with some of what we saw on Saturday night in Brisbane, especially considering it was only game one for so many players. It was really pleasing to see some of the new, young players really step up and also to see some of our more experienced players showing leadership and making an impact in their own areas.

"I'm looking forward to having another look at some of those players and combinations this week, and also to trying out some new combinations," Blackadder said.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 George Bridge, 13 Sean Wainui, 12 Kieron Fonotia, 11 Sione Fifita, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.  

Replacements - from: Ged Robinson, Wyatt Crockett, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Mitchell Dunshea, Reed Prinsep, Leon Fukofuka, Ben Volavola, Marty McKenzie, Jone Macilai, Mitchell Hunt, Nemani Nadolo.

Date: Thursday, February 11

Venue: Fred Booth Park, Waimumu 

Kick-off: 17.45 (04.45 GMT)

Referee: Jamie Nutbrown