The Crusaders have made seven changes to the team that lost to the Rebels last weekend for this weeks' match against the Blues in Christchurch.

Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team, which includes seven changes in the starting fifteen from the team that lost to the Rebels last weekend.

Most of the changes are in the backs and include Israel Dagg taking the fullback spot and Andy Ellis returning to halfback, so Tom Marshall and Willi Heinz move to the bench.

Adam Whitelock will start on the right wing this week, and Dan Carter will move to first five, which allows Ryan Crotty to play at second five.

Kieran Read and Luke Whitelock were both unavailable for selection due to injuries sustained during last week's game.

Read is still recovering from a heavy fall onto his pelvis, and Whitelock is being rested after a minor head injury.

That sees captain Richie McCaw move to number 8 and Matt Todd come in at number 7.

Tom Taylor is also unavailable for selection this week after a minor quadriceps strain.

The match will be the second time the Crusaders have played the Blues this season and in the first match the Crusaders won by 18-19.

Crusaders:

1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Richie McCaw (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Dan Carter (vc) 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty 13. Robbie Fruean 14. Adam Whitelock,15. Israel Dagg

Replacements : 16. Quentin MacDonald,17. Ben Franks,18. Tom Donnelly,19. Brendon O'Connor,20. WIlli Heinz,21. Tyler Bleyendaal,22. Tom Marshall