Whitelock skippers Crusaders
Flank George Whitelock will captain the Crusaders in Saturday’s Super Rugby encounter against the Stormers at Newlands.
Whitelock takes over the captaincy from Kieran Read, who has been ruled out of the match through injury.
Crusades head coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the team that played the Southern Kings last weekend.
Luke Whitelock takes the vacant No.8 jersey while Tyler Bleyendaal starts at flyhalf in place of Dan Carter, who has remained in New Zealand to be at the birth of his first child.
Elsewhere in the backline, Israel Dagg returns to fullback, moving Tom Marshall back to the wing and Zac Guildford to the bench.
The game will also mark a special occasion for inside centre and vice-captain Ryan Crotty who will be playing his 50th Super Rugby game for the Crusaders.
On the bench, Jordan Taufua will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Crusaders if called upon.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock (captain), 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Jordan Taufua, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Zac Guildford.
Date: Saturday, March 30
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Stuart Berry (South Africa), Linston Manuel (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
