The Crusaders will take on the Highlanders this weekend without Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

Both missing the match due to injury with Carter's last game against the Sharks in London while Richie McCaw, who played 29 minutes from the substitutes' bench against the Chiefs last weekend, have been ruled out with a bruised foot.

McCaw trained on Monday and suffered soreness in his right foot overnight.

Aside from McCaw, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made several changes to the team that played last week for this week's clash against the Highlanders.

Adam Whitelock replaces Sonny Bill Williams at second five and Tom Marshall comes on the right wing ahead of Sean Maitland.

The Crusaders host the Highlanders on Saturday at 7.35pm.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi