Centurion Whitelock leads Crusaders into battle
He will not only be team captain, but also become the latest Crusaders centurion.
The lock takes over the captaincy armband from All Black skipper Kieran Read, who is being rested for this game.
Whitelock will bring up his ton in front of a home crowd, with the team returning to Christchurch for the first time in seven weeks.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the starting fifteen that played the Chiefs in Fiji last week.
In the forwards Alex Hodgman moves into the No.1 jersey, while Wyatt Crockett takes a spot on the bench.
Jimmy Tupou will start at No.8 this week, with Read sitting this match out.
Luke Romano will provide lock cover for Whitelock and Scott Barrett, while Pete Samu joins the bench as loose forward support.
In the backs Ryan Crotty returns to the team at centre and Johnny McNicholl will take the right wing spot.
Kieron Fonotia will prepare to make an impact off the bench this week and Mitchell Hunt will join the reserves for the second week in a row, giving him the opportunity to earn his first Crusaders cap if he makes the field.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitch Hunt, 23 Kieron Fonotia.
Date: Saturday, July 9
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
