Bleyendaal called up to face Bulls
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made only one change to the team to face the Bulls in a Super Rugby showdown in Christchurch on Saturday.
Tom Taylor's medial ligament injury has ruled him out of this week's game, allowing Tyler Bleyendaal to take his place on the bench.
It will be the Crusaders' first home game of the season – against a strong Bulls team that hasn't lost a game this season.
The Crusaders last met the Bulls in the 2012 qualifying rounds, where the Crusaders came out the victors and secured a place in the semifinal with a 28-13 win.
It is 209 days since the Crusaders last played at home and the team is excited to be running out at their Addington stadium once again to play in front of a home crowd.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Adam Whitelock.
Date: Saturday, March 16
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 SA time; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
