Crusaders make three changes for Chiefs

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the team that beat the Highlanders for this week’s third round Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

In the front row, Nepo Laulala comes into the starting fifteen with Owen Franks suspended for two weeks. Alex Hodgman will join Joe Moody as prop cover in the reserves.

Loose forwards Jordan Taufua and Luke Whitelock have switched positions, so that Taufua takes the starting spot against the Chiefs and Whitelock takes a seat on the bench.

The final change is at fullback which sees Tom Taylor pulling on the 15 jersey to give Israel Dagg more time to recover from a quad strain.

Halfback Andy Ellis is set to make his return to Super Rugby if he gets a run off the bench on Saturday night.

Crusaders

1 Wyatt Crockett , 2 Ben Funnell 3 Nepo Laulala , 4 Luke Romano , 5 Scott Barrett , 6 Richie McCaw , 7 Matt Todd (c) , 8 Jordan Taufua, 9 Mitchell Drummond , 10 Colin Slade ,11 Johnny McNicholl ,12 Ryan Crotty ,13 Kieron Fonotia , 14 Robbie Fruean , 15 Tom Taylor

Replacements : 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Joe Moody , 18 Alex Hodgman , 19 Jimmy Tupou , 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Andy Ellis , 22 Nathaniel Apa , 23 Nafi Tuitavake