The Crusaders have made four changes to their starting line up to play the Blues in a match which could decide the New Zealand Super rugby conference winner.

Lock Sam Whitelock has recovered from the ankle injury while halfback Andy Ellis is back from a broken thumb.

In other changes, Ben Franks starts at loose head prop and Matt Todd replaces Captain Richie McCaw, who's out with recurring foot problems while Kieran Read will captain the side in McCaw's absence.
 
The Blues currently lead the New Zealand conference by just two points from the Crusaders but have lost their last three games.

The match kicks off at 7.35 on Saturday.


Story by: Selina Navuso