Rejigged Crusaders set to face Stormers

Apr 20, 2017 - 4:19 AM Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made seven changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Christchurch.

Wyatt Crockett, Ben Funnell and Michael Alaalatoa, the starting front row in last week's 50-3 thumping of the Sunwolves, shift to the bench for Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks.

Lock Scott Barrett and loose forward Jordan Taufua come back into the starting 15, with Luke Romano and Pete Samu set to make their impact from the reserves.

In the backs, George Bridge comes back onto the left wing for last week's hat-trick hero Manasa Mataele, while Ryan Crotty steps in at second five-eighth.

The Crusaders top the New Zealand conference and the overall Super Rugby table, undefeated after seven games.

The Stormers suffered their first loss of the season last week, beaten 29-16 by the Lions in Cape Town.

Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele.

Source: AAP