Sam Whitelock will captain the Crusaders on his return to the starting linuep in their clash against the Stormers in Newlands on Saturday.

Whitelock, who sat out the win over the Vodacom Bulls last weekend, leads the team having re-joined the squad in Cape Town earlier this week.

There are just two further changes to the starting lineup, both of them in the pack.

In the front row, Joe Moody will be rested this week, allowing a leg wound that he sustained against the Bulls to heal. George Bower will start at loosehead prop and Harry Allan provides cover in the reserves.

The final change to the side sees Ethan Blackadder get an opportunity to start on the blindside, with Jordan Taufua shifting to the bench.

The Crusaders’ backline remains unchanged from last weekend’s game, including Man of the Match Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf and right wing Sevu Reece, who ran in three tries against the Bulls last week.

Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Whitelock (c) , 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Subs: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor.

Vodacom Super Rugby teams (Round 14)

Photo: Martin Hunter / www.photosport.nz