French prop Christian Califano starts his first match for Auckland Blues against the unbeaten Crusaders in the Super 12 on Saturday.

Califano has been on the bench for both of the Blues' opening matches and replaces Tony Woodcock.

The Canterbury-based Crusaders, wll be without lock Vula Maimuri, but expect All Blacks Leon McDonald and Norm Maxwell to play.

Second-placed New South Wales Warratahs travel to the Bulls on the back of their first away win for two years.

They make two changes to their side with Van Humphries replacing Tom Bowmanand prop Rod Moore coming in for Matt Dunning.

A Nathan Grey drop goal handed the Warratahs a dramatic late victory in Cape Town against the Stormers, who have to face Jonah Lomu on Friday.

The giant All Black wing returns to the starting line-up as the Hurricanes complete their trip to South Africa, while another powerhouse wing will be in action as the Queensland Reds host the Chiefs.

Rugby league convert Wendell Sailor continues his union education against the New Zealanders, who welcome back number eight Deon Muir to their squad after injury.

Queensland recalled scrum-half Sam Cordingley with Jacob Rauluni dropping to the bench.

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Super 12 round-three fixtures:

Friday, 8 March:Stormers v Hurricanes

Saturday, 9 March:
Crusaders v Blues
Reds v Chiefs
Bulls v Waratahs