Crusaders wary of Chiefs backlash

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says that he is wary of the Chiefs strikepower out wide and the fact that they will be hurting after their loss to the Reds last weekend.

The previously unbeaten Chiefs looked likely winners last weekend in their first home match of the season but surrendered their lead when Luke Morahan scored a brilliant try and the Chiefs were unable to recover.

Blackadder says that he expects the Chiefs to come at the Crusaders hard in their Round 5 fixture in Hamilton on Friday but said the the Crusaders were up for the job after training in in Christchurch this week.

"We're going up there really committed, really hungry and have focused on looking forward." he told NZPA.

"When they look at their game (after the Reds loss) I'm sure they'll feel they just need to refocus and it's all there."

Blackadder has predicted that the Chiefs would continue to play an expansive game with subtle variations.

"The first three times they threw the ball wide against the Reds they scored tries and that's just gold."

"They've shown all campaign they've got strikepower. We've just got to deny them that set piece pressure.

"They're last year's finalists and a good side. We know what it is like to get one shoved up you and I'm sure this week, with the chance to make amends, can't be too long for them.

"We expect it to be a confrontational and physical contest as they always are."

The Crusaders have made two changes to the team who beat the Blues 33-20 in Christchurch last Saturday.

Kahn Fotuali'i comes in for Andy Ellis who has not recovered from a head knock in the second half against the Blues while All Blacks lock Isaac Ross returns from an ankle injury which has relegated rookie Sam Whitelock to the reserves.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks and No 8 Thomas Waldrom who were both injured last week come on to the reserves bench in place of Peter Borlase and Jonathan Poff.

Looking at the history between the Crusaders and the Blues the Chiefs have won two of the last three matches between the teams but overall, the Crusaders have had most success, winning 10 of the 14 clashes.