Two big names missing from Crusaders team

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are just two changes to the Crusaders side that will face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

Scott Barrett has been rested this week, Quinten Strange will start, and Luke Romano has been named on the bench.

The only other change sees Brett Cameron come in at flyhalf in place of Richie Mo'unga. Mitchell Hunt has recovered from his concussion to provide cover for Cameron in the reserves.

This will be Owen Franks' 150th game for the Crusaders (149th Super Rugby game).

Both teams will walk side-by-side on to Sydney Cricket Ground, and form one circle to observe a moment's silence for all those affected by last Friday's tragic events in Christchurch.

"This tragedy has rocked our community, and we really feel for all those affected by the events of last Friday in Christchurch. Our hearts go out to people across our city, our region, and our country who are grieving right now and we're grateful for the opportunity to pay our respects before the game. We'll certainly be playing for our community on Saturday night," Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 George Bridge, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Ere Enari, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan.

Date: Saturday, March 23

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Kick-off: 19.45 (08.45 GMT; 21.45 NZ time)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Paul Williams (Japan)

TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)