Cape Town - All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg will start on the wing for the Crusaders against the Blues in their Super Rugby clash in Auckland on Friday.

Kick-off is 08:30 SA time.

As expected, No 8 Kieran Read captains the team while Richie McCaw, out until July, enjoys a break from the game.

Outside centre Robbie Fruean will play his 50th Super Rugby game for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders will be playing their first match of the season after a bye in Round 2, while the Blues are coming off an impressive win against the Hurricanes in their opening match.

Teams:

Blues:

15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Francis Saili, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (captain), 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tom McCartney

Substitutes: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Angus Ta'avao, 18 Liaki Moli, 19 Brendon O'Connor, 20 Bryn Hall, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Jackson Willison

Crusaders:

15 Tom Taylor, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Tom Marshall