Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is drawing a line early in the Super Rugby season.
Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl and Tyler Bleyendaal have all been dropped from the side to play the Blues on Friday.
Colin Slade, Rob Thompson and Tom Taylor all start, while Kieran Read replaces Luke Whitelock at number eight.
Blackadder said the message is no player is an automatic selection.
Ryan Crotty and Richie McCaw have both overcome injury concerns to be in the starting side.
The Crusaders meet the Blues at 6.35pm Friday while the Rebels face the Cheetahs at 8.40pm.
Story by: Akuila Cama
[Source: Radio Sports]
