Crusaders make five changes for Chiefs clash

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the Super Rugby team that lost to the Highlanders for this week’s match against the Chiefs in Christchurch.

The Crusaders will be at home for a second New Zealand derby match in as many weeks and this week it is the Chiefs that visit Christchurch.

Blackadder has chosen to start Wyatt Crockett and Nepo Laulala in the front row with Joe Moody and Owen Franks as cover.

Luke Romano returns to lock and Jimmy Tupou will take a spot on the bench. Richie McCaw and Matt Todd have again rotated so that McCaw starts at 7 this week.

The only change in the backs is at second five, where Dan Carter takes Ryan Crotty’s spot.

Crotty is recovering from a head knock received in the Highlanders match.

Crusaders

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

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