Todd takes captain's armband for Crusaders

Christchurch - Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made six alterations to his starting line-up for the New Zealand derby clash with the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday (kick-off 09:35 SA time).

In the front row, Tim Perry makes his return from the hamstring injury he sustained against the Brumbies in round 11 and will start at loosehead prop.

Tighthead prop Owen Franks also returns to the starting side this week, and Mike Alaalatoa moves to the bench.

Quinten Strange steps in to the starting team in place of regular captain Sam Whitelock, with Matt Todd to lead the Crusaders in his absence. The only other change in the forward pack sees Heiden Bedwell-Curtis take the starting spot in the No 6 jersey with Pete Samu providing cover on the bench.

In the backline, vice-captain Ryan Crotty returns and will line up in the midfield alongside Jack Goodhue. Outside back George Bridge will shift from fullback to the left wing, while David Havili will wear the No 15 jersey.

Manasa Mataele, having recovered from the head knock he suffered against the Waratahs, takes a spot on the bench.

Teams:

Blues

15 Matt Duffie, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Orbyn Leger, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Augustine Pulu (captain), 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papalii/Murphy Taramai, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Matiaha Martin, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 James Parsons, 1 Pauliasi Manu

Substitutes: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ross Wright, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Ben Nee-Nee, 20 Murphy Taramai/Antonio Kiri Kiri, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Dan Kirkpatrick, 23 Michael Collins

Crusaders