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Crusaders bring back Read for Sharks

Kieran Read steps back into the fray at No.8 and will captain the side. 

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Joe Moody and Codie Taylor both make their way into the front row alongside Owen Franks this week, with Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett and Mike Alaalatoa providing cover from the bench.

Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock are the starting locks, with Luke Romano in the reserves and Jimmy Tupou also covering lock or loose forward.

The experience of halfback Andy Ellis will be called upon to help drive the backline, while Ryan Crotty also returns at inside centre and David Havili moves back to fullback.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jimmy Tupou, 21 Tim Boys, 22 Mitchell Drummond, 23 Ben Volavola.

Date: Saturday, March 26

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 17.05 (04.05 NZDT; 15.05 GMT)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden, Cwengile Jadezweni

TMO: Johan Greeff

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