Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made two changes to the starting XV that beat the Highlanders two weeks ago.



Richie McCaw has recovered from injury to return to the line-up and will play at number six on Saturday night, which sees Jordan Taufua move to the bench.



Corey Flynn will take the starting hooker spot for his 150th Crusaders game, with Ben Funnell providing back-up from the bench.



The Crusaders qualified for a home Semi-Final by finishing the regular season second on the points table, while the Sharks beat the Highlanders in last week's Qualifier in Durban ro progress.



Blackadder said the team is preparing for it’s toughest game yet as both teams will be throwing everything they’ve got at it in their quest to make the Final.



“The Sharks have shown this season that they are an extremely classy outfit and a very difficult team to beat. This is our biggest challenge yet, but we feel ready for it," he said.



“It is going to be awesome to play in front of a home crowd for this Semi-Final on Saturday night and the roar of the crowd may just be the extra boost that gets us across the line,” Blackadder said.

Crusaders XV:

1. Wyatt Crockett

2. Corey Flynn

3. Owen Franks

4. Dominic Bird

5. Samuel Whitelock

6. Richie McCaw

7. Matt Todd

8. Kieran Read (C)

9. Andy Ellis

10. Colin Slade

11. Nemani Nadolo

12. Dan Carter

13. Ryan Crotty (VC)

14. Kieron Fonotia

15. Israel Dagg

Reserves:

16. Ben Funnell

17. Joe Moody

18. Nepo Laulala

19. Jimmy Tupou

20. Jordan Taufua

21. Willi Heinz

22. Tom Taylor

23. Johnny McNicholl

