Crusaders make seven changes for Sharks clash

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has named a Super Rugby team with seven changes to the side that played the Bulls for this week’s macth against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Dan Carter is unavailable to play as he has returned to New Zealand awaiting the birth of his second child, which means Colin Slade moves back into first five.

Props Wyatt Crockett and Joe Moody have again rotated so that Crockett starts at 1 this week.

Nepo Laulala will start on the other side of the scrum, with Owen Franks named in the replacements. Matt Todd returns to the number 7 jersey this week and Richie McCaw will provide loose forward cover from the bench.

Ryan Crotty shifts to second five and Kieron Fonotia to centre. David Havili makes his first start for the Crusaders, taking the right wing.

Tom Taylor and Nafi Tuitavake will be ready to make an impact in the back line when they come off the bench.

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett 2. Ben Funnell 3. Nepo Laulala 4. Luke Romano 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Jordan Taufua 7. Matt Todd 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis 10. Colin Slade 11. Nemani Nadolo 12. Ryan Crotty 13. Kieron Fonotia 14. David Havili 15. Israel Dagg

Replacements : 16 Codie Taylor 17. Joe Moody 18. Owen Franks 19. Jimmy Tupou 20. Richie McCaw 21. Mitchell Drummond 22 .Tom Taylor 23. Nafi Tuitavake