Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has promised that his team will put in an improved peformance against the Hurricanes this weekend.

The Crusaders opened their Super Rugby season against the Blues last weekend with arguably one of their worst performances in many years.

While the Crusaders were playing their first game of the season the Blues had already played a game and were much more familiar with each other.

Blackadder has made three changes to his team with Israel Dagg moving back to fullback. Tom Marshall comes on to the right wing with Johnny McNicholl on the left wing.

Coach Blackadder is not worried about his team's performance last week and while he puts some of it down to the match being their first of the season he also says they have addressed the issues.

"It was our first game and against a red-hot team," Blackadder told Sportal.

"Yes we did make mistakes and yes it wasn't perfect and we missed a few tackles, but we've had time to redress and review what we need to do.

"We need to bring a different mindset and we're going to do that. "

"Hopefully what you'll see is an outstanding performance by everyone because that's what it is going to take against the Hurricanes."

Blackadder said that the return of McNicholl from a back injury allowed Dagg to resume in his regular position of fullback.

"That's great news for us and I'm sure for him. It gives us more speed at the back and I think Israel feels a lot more confident (at fullback) and it takes away his anxiety."