The Blues will carry an extra forward on the bench as they head to the table-topping Crusaders on Friday night in Super Rugby

Coach Vern Cotter has opted for a 6-2 bench split, with Caleb Clarke and Stephen Perofeta among those missing this week through injuries.



The move's been noted by Crusaders coach Rob Penney.



Penney has had David Havili cleared of an achilles injury to start at 12 - while halfback Kyle Preston's back from injury off the bench.



Elsewhere, Ardie Savea's rested from the Moana Pasifika side to play the Brumbies - Ruben Love starts at 10 for the Hurricanes against the Force in Perth - and Anton Lienert-Brown returns from injury for the Chiefs against the Highlanders.

SUPER RUGBY COVERAGE WITH HABIT HEALTH. TACKLING ALL YOUR ACHES AND PAINS FROM SPORT AND WORK