Christchurch - The Crusaders will field a weakened side for their Super 14 match against the Lions in Christchurch on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 06:30 on Saturday.

Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Wyatt Crockett and George Whitelock are being rested, although Carter, Whitelock and Crockett will be on the bench, along with veteran lock Chris Jack.

Colin Slade will wear the No 10 jersey with Adam Whitelock at outside centre.

In the pack, Thomas Waldrom returns at No 8, with Jonathan Poff at No 7.

Ben Franks takes over at loosehead prop, while Richie McCaw will lead the team.

The Crusaders currently occupy third position in the Super 14 standings, with the Lions in 13th.

Teams:

Crusaders:
15. Jared Payne, 14. Sean Maitland, 13. Adam Whitelock, 12. Ryan Crotty, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Colin Slade, 9. Kahn Fotuali’i, 8. Thomas Waldrom, 7. Jonathan Poff, 6. Richie McCaw (captain), 5. Isaac Ross, 4. Sam Whitelock, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Ti’i Paulo, 1. Ben Franks

Substitutes: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Chris Jack, 19. George Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Dan Carter, 22. Robbie Fruean

Lions:
15. Earl Rose, 14. Wigan Pekeur, 13. Walter Venter, 12. Doppies la Grange, 11. Wandile Mjekevu, 10. Burton Francis, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Todd Clever, 7. Derick Minnie, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. George Earle, 3. Ross Geldenhuys, 2. Hannes Franklin, 1. JC Janse van Rensburg

Substitutes: 16. Charles Emslie, 17. Heinke van der Merwe, 18. Willem Stoltz, 19. Robert Kruger/Jacques Lombaard, 20. Jacques Coetzee, 21. Carlos Spencer, 22. Michael Killian