A rare disciplinary breach among the Crusaders squad compounded a selection headache this week for coach Robbie Deans who has been forced to make wholesale changes for their Super 14 rugby match against the Lions at AMI Stadium here on Saturday.
Deans has made eight personnel changes and one positional switch to the starting 15 who beat the Hurricanes 20-13 in Wellington two weeks ago.
Coming off the bye with first five-eighth Daniel Carter and fullback Leon MacDonald out with ankle and thigh injuries respectively, and lock Brad Thorn (calf) and second five-eighth Stephen Brett (shoulder) doubtful, Deans conceded the timing was "not ideal" for two other squad members to become unavailable.
Winger Kade Poki and halfback Kahn Fotuali'i were stood down from the playing 22 after missing a training session during the bye week.
"They've breached team protocols and they've been stood down as a consequence," an unrepentant Deans said after training at the Crusaders Rugby Park headquarters here today.
"We're managing our resources, but it's fair to say that this week is providing us with a significant test both on and off the field," Deans said.
Regular skipper Richie McCaw is being rested and Reuben Thorne returns to the captaincy for the first time in two years.
Flanker George Whitelock will make his Super 14 rugby debut stepping in at No 7 for McCaw. While admitting they're big shoes to fill, he's undaunted by the task.
Whitelock said his chance had been a long time coming after "turning up for training for four or five months now," but he was "pretty happy" to be selected.
Deans said he was confident Whitelock was ready. He'd "done really well" in training after swallowing a bitter pill in just missing selection for the squad's African tour.
"He's in great shape," Deans said. "He's ready to go." Whitelock said he expected a tough time as a target for the Lions but was unfazed.
"If I just worry about my job and don't run around and try to do too much, that'll be the best thing," he said.
While Thorn and Brett are still in doubt for the Lions match, they have both been named on the bench. Decisions on their fitness will be made closer to kick-off. If Thorn's niggling calf complaint rules him out, All Blacks lock Ross Filipo will make his return from the bench for the first time this season after a neck injury.
In other changes among the forwards, lock Michael Paterson is promoted from the bench, with hooker Ti'i Paulo and loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett taking over in the frontrow from Corey Flynn and Ben Franks, who are both named on the bench.
Hamish Gard will make his first start at first five-eighth, while wingers Sean Maitland and Caleb Ralph are the other changes in the backline that started in Wellington.
Gard said having quality players around him would "take the pressure" off him although he expected to be tested.
"We've talked about what the Lions will bring and I guess with me and George out there, new players at seven and 10, they'll probably attack that," Gard said.
"I'm not too fazed, really." Deans said there was a "real energy" in the Crusaders coming off the bye "and there's a real enthusiasm about the mix as well".
The winless Lions had shown they were keen to play an expansive game and Deans said he expected the Crusaders to be tested "from touch to touch" on Saturday.
"If we give them the opportunity they're prepared to push the ball," he said.
Deans said the Lions had little to lose and would be prepared to "take a risk in order to profit".
"They're big men," he said. "They'll be physical. That's a given."
Crusaders: Scott Hamilton, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Caleb Ralph, Hamish Gard, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, George Whitelock, Reuben Thorne (captain), Ali Williams, Michael Paterson, Greg Somerville, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Brad Thorn, Nasi Manu, Steve Alfeld.
