“It gives Beauden and Fin a bit of time to sit back and have a role off the bench, which will be important to us,” Cotter said.
“If you want a result later in the season, especially down in Christchurch, you need a strong 23.”
The Blues are boosted by the return of three key forwards with Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater all named to start.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will welcome back star winger Sevu Reece in what will be just their second match at their new stadium, Te Kaha.
Reece returns, having missed the past two games with illness, as part of three changes to the Crusaders’ backline that sees Dallas McLeod and Rivez Reihana replace Braydon Ennor (hamstring) and pivot Taha Kemara (knee), respectively.
Leicester Fainga’anuku is retained in the loose forwards, while prop George Bower will bring up his 100th match.
The Blues beat the Crusaders 29-13 when they met earlier this season and another win would mark just the second time (2003) they have beaten them twice in a season.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl.
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Jack Sexton, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Dom Gardiner, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Cooper Grant, 23. Kurtis Macdonald.
Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Sam Matenga, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. AJ Lam, 14. Kade Banks, 15. Zarn Sullivan.
Bench: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. Xavi Taele.
Reds v Chiefs
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Friday, 9.35pm
The Chiefs’ outside back stocks have taken another hit with All Blacks winger Leroy Carter set to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury.
Carter sustained the injury in the Chiefs’ win over the Drua at Super Round. They had the bye last week and the 27-year-old is set to return in time for the first round of finals.
While they lose Carter, the Chiefs do welcome back captain Luke Jacobson, who slots straight in at openside flanker.
All Blacks duo Samisoni Taukei’aho and Cortez Ratima will come off the bench.
The Reds have made a handful of changes as they welcome back winger Lachie Anderson and first five-eighths Carter Gordon from long injury layoffs.
Anderson will start on the wing, with Gordon coming off the bench. The Reds do, though, lose former Chiefs prop Aiden Ross to a toe injury.
The Reds have a 2-2 record against New Zealand sides this season.
“Along with the Hurricanes, the Chiefs are the most in-form team in the competition to date,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
“We are well aware they are a dangerous team. A match like this will again require our mental toughness to shine through to keep at the task throughout.”
The Reds have won three of their past three matches against the Chiefs in Australia.
Reds: 1. George Blake, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Lachie Anderson, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell.
Bench: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Carter Gordon, 23. Treyvon Pritchard.
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Isaac Hutchinson.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Jared Profitt, 18. Reuben O’Neill, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Lalakai Foketi.
Highlanders v Waratahs
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Saturday, 4.35pm
All Blacks hopeful Caleb Tangitau returns to the starting side for the Highlanders in a welcome boost to face the Waratahs, in what is a must-win match for both teams.
The Highlanders and Waratahs both sit five points outside the top six, although the latter have the advantage of having a game in hand.
Tangitau’s return is huge, having missed the last two games with concussion, and Argentina international Tomás Lavanini is back in the starting side at lock. Meanwhile, Adam Lennox is at halfback and Folau Fakatava is dropping out of the matchday 23.
For the Waratahs, coach Dan McKellar has kept Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii despite calls for him to be shifted to the outside backs.
Suaalii was criticised after running just 2m with the ball during their defeat to the Force last week.
McKellar has made some changes, though, with Jack Debreczeni to wear the No 10 jersey while Dan Botha returns at tight-head prop. Jack Bowen and Wallabies flyer Harry Potter are on the bench.
The Waratahs have won their past three meetings against the Highlanders, which have all been decided by two points or less.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Jona Nareki, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Nic Shearer, 22. Taine Robinson, 23. Xavier Tito-Harris.
Waratahs: 1. Isaac Kailea, 2. Ethan Dobbins, 3. Dan Botha,4. Miles Amatosero, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon (c), 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Sid Harvey, 12. Lawson Creighton, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Max Jorgensen.
Bench: 16. Folau Fainga’a, 17. Jack Barrett, 18. Apolosi Ranawai, 19. Clem Halaholo, 20. Leafi Talataina, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Bowen, 23. Harry Potter.
Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes
North Harbour Stadium, Albany. Saturday, 7.05pm
The Hurricanes have made seven changes to their side to face Moana Pasifika, which includes the loss of Cam Roigard for the run-in to the Super Rugby playoffs.
The All Blacks’ halfback picked up a calf strain, which will sideline him for three to four weeks, while Ruben Love will also miss the clash against Moana with an ankle issue.
In their place sees Ereatara Enari and Lucas Cashmore start, while Jordie Barrett has also been given a rest.
In positive news, Kini Naholo will make his return from a long injury lay-off via the bench.
Fehi Fineanganofo has the chance to make Super Rugby history with the most tries in a season. He is currently on 15, one off the record currently shared by Ben Lam (2018) and Joe Roff (1997).
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika have made minimal changes with their season hanging by a thread, as defeat would see them claim the wooden spoon in what could be their final season.
Faletoi Peni, Veikoso Poloniati and Augustine Pulu come into their starting side, replacing Tevita Latu, Jimmy Tupou and Jonathan Taumateine, respectively.
The Hurricanes have won six of their past seven meetings against Moana Pasifika, with an average winning margin of 55 points.
Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai,, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. William Havili, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. Glen Vaihu.
Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Lolani Falevia, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Tevita Latu.
Hurricanes: 1. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2. Vernon Bason, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lucas Cashmore, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Hugo Plummer, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Bailyn Sullivan, 23. Kini Naholo.
Brumbies v Force
GIO Stadium, Canberra. Saturday, 9.35pm
This is shaping up to be an intriguing Australian derby with the Western Force on a three-game win streak, while the Brumbies have lost their past three.
The Brumbies have made minimal changes to their side with veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa returning to the starting side while Hudson Creighton and Ollie Sapsford get their opportunity at centre and wing, respectively.
The Force have made just one change to their starting side with Harry Johnson-Holmes named at prop. Zac Lomax remains on the right wing.
The Brumbies have won four of their past five matches against the Force.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lachie Shaw, 6. Rob Valentini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Toby Macpherson, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Hudson Creighton, 14. Ollie Sapsford, 15. Tom Wright.
Bench: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Rhys van Nek, 19. Cadeyrn Neville, 20. Chris Mickelson, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Andy Muirhead.
Force: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Jeremy Williams (c), 5. Darcy Swain, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Henry Robertson, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. George Bridge, 14. Zac Lomax, 15. Mac Grealy.
Bench: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Marley Pearce, 18. Sef Fa’agase, 19. Franco Molina, 20. Will Harris, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Kurtley Beale.
Bye: Fijian Drua