Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has shown faith in his faltering team by naming a largely unchanged squad for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Blues in Christchurch.
The Crusaders have four wins from nine matches and are coming off a 26-9 pounding by the Chiefs in Christchurch last week.
Blackadder continues his front row rotation, hooker Codie Taylor starting in place of Ben Funnell while Owen Franks will start at tighthead prop with Nepo Laulala on the bench.
Ryan Crotty has recovered from a head knock and will start at centre, with Kieron Fonotia ready to provide some impact from the bench.
In the final change, Mitchell Drummond will start at halfback with Andy Ellis moving to the bench.
"While we haven't got the results we need in the last couple of weeks, we're not hitting the panic button and making wholesale changes because we know that our men will step up," Blackadder said.
"There is an immense amount of talent in this group, and the changes that need to happen to turn our losses into wins are not big changes.
"Nobody will be more determined to turn things around than these boys."
Crusaders: Tom Taylor, David Havili, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read (captain), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Kieron Fonotia, Nafi Tuitavake.
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