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Crusaders chop and change for Highlanders derby

Cape Town - Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made seven changes to his side ahead of Friday’s South Island derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch.

Kick-off is scheduled for 09:35 (SA time).

Andrew Makalio will start the match at hooker, with Ben Funnell named on the bench. Codie Taylor, who was withdrawn from last week's match with a calf strain, will be rested this week ahead of the bye.

Prop Owen Franks, who suffered a shoulder sprain in the Brumbies match, will also sit out and is replaced by Michael Alaalatoa in the No 3 jersey. Oliver Jager will provide cover on the bench.

The final changes to the forward pack will see Sam Whitelock and Whetukamokamo Douglas return to the starting side, and Whitelock resume the captaincy.

At scrumhalf, Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond swap places, with Hall starting and Drummond on the bench.

Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor both return to the starting side at outside centre and on the right wing, respectively.

The only other change to the match-day 23 sees Mitch Hunt replace Brett Cameron on the bench.

Teams:

Crusaders

15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan

Highlanders

15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown

Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Jackson Hemopo, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Sio Tomkinson

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