Crusaders keeping their powder dry

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has held back most of his big guns when he named the team to play the Hurricanes in their first pre-season game in Timaru on Saturday.

Blackadder is using the team's season opener to play the newer members of the squad.

Seven players are making their first appearance for the Crusaders in the starting line up this week - Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Dominic Bird, Shane Christie, Jordan Taufua, Jeremy Su'a and Kieran Fonotia.

Two players from the Canterbury academy have been called up to cover the outside backs Shane Anderson and James Schrader.

The team will be captained by experienced Crusader George Whitelock.

Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 James Schrader, 13 Kieran Fonotia, 12 Robbie Fruean, 11 Shayne Anderson, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Jeremy Su'a, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Shane Christie, 6 George Whitelock (captain), 5 Joel Everson, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements - from: Paea Fa'anunu, Adrian Barone, Mitch Graham, Ben Funnell, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Simons, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Tyrone Elkington, Kolio Hifo, Stephen Burt.

Date: Saturday, February 2

Venue: Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru

Kick-off: 15.00 (02.00 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser

Assistant referees: Kane McBride, Local