Mitchell Drummond will start in place of Bryn Hall at scrum-half against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday in what will be his 50th appearance for the Crusaders.
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged forward pack for the match, and there are just two changes in the backs from the side that took the field in Wellington last weekend.
Drummond and Bryn Hall will rotate this week, with Hall taking a spot on the bench and Drummond to wear the number nine jersey.
The only other change sees Tim Bateman step in to the starting line up at inside centre in place of Ryan Crotty.
"We love these derby games against our neighbours in Dunedin. The boys have prepared well, they're really clear and looking forward to what is going to be a great battle on Saturday night," Robertson said.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 George Bridge, 10 Mitchell Hunt, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Chris King, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Billy Harmon, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mike Delany, 23 Manasa Mataele
Date: Saturday, March 17
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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