The Crusaders have named George Whitelock as captain of the team that will play the Hurricanes in the first pre-season game of the Super Rugby 2013 season.

The game takes place this Saturday 2nd February at the Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru. Kick off is at 3pm.

With many of the more experienced players on the bench the Crusaders have the opportunity to play the newer members of the squad.

Seven players are making their first appearance for the Crusaders in the starting line up this week.

Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Dominic Bird, Shane Christie, Jordan Taufua, Jeremy Su’a and Kieran Fonotia.

Two players from the Canterbury academy have been called up to cover the outside backs Shayne Anderson and James Schrader.

Crusaders

15 Tom Marshall, 14 James Schrader, 13 Kieran Fonotia, 12 Robbie Fruen, 11 Shayne Anderson, 10 Tyler Blyendaal, 9 Jeremy Su'a, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Shane Christie, 6 George Whitelock (c), 5 Joel Everson, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Paea Fa'anunu, 17 Adrian Barone, 18 Mitch Graham, 19 Ben Funnell, 20 Jimmy Tupou, 21 Matt Simons, 22 Luke Whitelock, 23 Matt Todd, 24 Andy Ellis, 25 Tyrone Elkington, 26 Kolio Hifo, 27 Stephen Burt.