The Crusaders coaches have made two changes to their team’s starting line-up for Friday night’s crucial match against the Brumbies at AMI Stadium.

Owen Franks starts at loosehead prop instead of Wyatt Crockett and Sam Whitelock is at lock ahead of Chris Jack. On the reserves bench, halfback Willi Heinz replaces Kahn Fotuali’i, who has been stood down for one match due to a breach of a recovery protocol.

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said Franks and Whitelock deserved their starting spots due to good recent form.

“Both played very well in the match against the Bulls last weekend and we felt that they deserved to start in this match.”

Blackadder was expecting an exciting encounter between two teams who have to win to progress in this season’s Rebel Sport Super 14.

“It’s great that we are playing the Brumbies, who I’m sure will look to play an open, attacking, game. It’s winner takes all and we’re all looking forward to it.

“We took a lot from that match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld and are excited about getting back to AMI Stadium and playing in front of our home crowd.”

The only players unavailable for selection due to injury are hooker Corey Flynn (ankle sprain) and wing Kade Poki (hamstring strain).

After the match there will be a presentation to honour Richie McCaw’s 100-matches milestone for the Crusaders, achieved in the game against the Stormers in Cape Town two rounds ago.

The Crusaders team to play the Brumbies at 7.35pm on Friday May 14 at AMI Stadium is as follows: