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Christchurch - Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named team to tackle the Blues in a Super Rugby clash in Auckland on Saturday.
Blackadder made three changes to his pack and five changes in the reserves from the team that beat the Hurricanes 35-18 at home last weekend. The backline remains unchanged.
Wyatt Crockett returns to the No 1 jersey this week, while Alex Hodgman moves to the bench.
Hookers Ben Funnell and Codie Taylor have rotated again so that Taylor takes the starting spot.
The final change to the starting XV is at lock, with Dominic Bird coming into the team alongside Luke Romano, while Sam Whitelock returns from a head knock to take a spot on the bench, as does Ryan Crotty.
Kick-off for Saturday’s clash at Eden Park is scheduled for 09:35 (SA time).
Teams:
Blues:
TBA
Crusaders:
15 Tom Taylor, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Matt Todd, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Kieron Fonotia
