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Dan Carter kicks for the Crusaders - Source: Photosport -
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Colin Slade gets his first start for the Crusaders in his
preferred first five-eighth position, replacing All Black Dan
Carter for the sixth round Super 14 rugby clash against the
struggling Lions in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.
Even though the Crusaders have a bye next week, the coaching staff
have taken the opportunity to rest four All Black forwards - prop
Wyatt Crockett, lock Brad Thorn and loose forwards Kieran Read and
George Whitelock for the match against the South African
side.
The Lions are second-last on the points table having conceded
228 points in five rounds including a 73-12 drubbing by the
Waratahs last week.
Apart from Slade replacing Carter, the only other backline change
is at centre where Adam Whitelock, a reserve for the first five
weeks, starts at centre ahead of Robbie Fruean.
Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Jonathan Poff and Thomas Waldrom come in
for Crockett, Thorn, George Whitelock and Read, respectively.
Crusaders backs coach Daryl Gibson said today that steps had been
taken to ensure there was no complacency in the camp.
"We've talked a lot about being professional this week and what
that means - I think a professional performance is required,"
Gibson said.
"A team that hasn't had a victory are very dangerous in that
they've got nothing to lose and they will go out and play.
"The Lions have shown their willingness to run the ball, probably
to their detriment at times, but I'm sure they'll come and really
attack us."
It was important that the Crusaders ensured their home ground
remained a fortress and the unbeaten home record (three from three)
this season was maintained.
"If you win your home games and sneak some away then you've got a
good chance of making the top four as we saw last year. Our
approach this year is no different."
While Slade had started at fullback or played that position off the
bench in previous weeks it was time to give him a chance at first
five-eighth meaning Carter went to the reserves, he said.
"Also with an eye on the All Blacks selection that's an area where
someone needs to fill a pretty sizable hole in the future and this
is a good opportunity for him."
Gibson was "very pleased" with how the Crusaders' backline took it
to their vaunted Chiefs opposites in the gritty 26-19 win in
Hamilton last round.
"It was a very mature performance when you look at the backline
through age - we're relatively inexperienced so we're delighted at
how they are going and I think it is very good for New Zealand
rugby that we've got potentially young stars of the future.
"Obviously we've got experienced pivots in Kahn (Fotuali'i), Andy
(Ellis) and DC (Carter) who ensure the backline is well-marshalled
and kept under tap, but it is also great for those (three) players
that they've got such an exciting backline to unleash."
The Lions, with their often unpredictable game, have caused
problems for the Crusaders in recent clashes and upset them in
Johannesburg in 2007.
The Crusaders won at home, 31-6, in 2008 and 32-20 away last year,
but it was only late in the piece that they gained the
ascendancy.
Crusaders: Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Adam
Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i,
Thomas Waldrom, Jonathan Poff, Richie McCaw (captain), Isaac Ross,
Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett, Chris Jack, George
Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Daniel Carter, Robbie Fruean
