Super Rugby round nine
Crusaders rest Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock
April 11, 2013
The Crusaders' Matt Todd tries to break free, Stormers v Crusaders, Super Rugby, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, March 30, 2013
Matt Todd produced strong efforts against the Stormers and the Sharks © Getty Images
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Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has decided to rest lock Sam Whitelock and flanker Matt Todd from the team to play Western Force in Perth on Saturday, after the pair bore a heavy lead on the South African leg of the tour.

Dominic Bird replaces Whitelock in the second row, making his second start after featuring in four games this season as a replacement, while Shane Christie will make his first appearance for the side in the No. 7 jumper.

Corey Flynn returns at hooker in place of Ben Funnell to play his 250th first class game, having missed the Sharks match with an eye injury sustained in training, while Israel Dagg, returns at fullback, with Tom Marshall moving to the wing and Zac Guildford to the bench. Dagg played off the bench against the Sharks, having missed three weeks with a hamstring strain.

Dan Carter, meanwhile, is set to sit on the sidelines for at least two weeks by his hamstring injury. Carter flew to Perth this week, but he returned home following the diagnosis of his injury.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg; Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall; Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis; Luke Whitelock, Shane Christie, George Whitelock (captain); Dominic Bird, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Telusa Veainu, Zac Guildford.

© Sportal

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