Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team to play the Force this weekend in Perth. There are four changes to the starting fifteen that played the Sharks last Friday night.

Corey Flynn returns to the Number 2 jersey moving Ben Funnell to the bench. The game will mark the 250th first class game of rugby for Flynn. A record that is shared by only 50 players in the history of New Zealand Rugby.

Dominic Bird replaces Sam Whitelock in the starting fifteen while Shane Christie earns his first appearance for the Crusaders in the number 7 jersey. Israel Dagg returns to fullback, moving Tom Marshall to the wing and Zac Guildford onto the bench.

Dan Carter has been ruled out of this weekend’s game following a hamstring strain sustained at training. He has returned to New Zealand and will undergo further medical assessment but is likely to be out of the game for a couple of weeks. .

Game is at NIB Stadium,in Perth.

Crusaders team to play the Force: