Crusaders welcome back Read
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Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder as made five changes to the starting fifteen that beat the Blues last weekend for his team's final game of 2015 against the Brumbies in Canberra this Saturday.
Kieran Read returns to the side at No.8 and will also take over the captaincy from Ritchie McCaw. Read's return sees Jordan Taufua move to the bench.
Sam Whitelock also returns to the starting line-up this week after coming off the bench against the Blues. Jimmy Tupou takes his place in the reserves.
In the backline, Andy Ellis is the preferred choice at scrumhalf with replacement Billy Guyton in line to make his Crusaders debut if he comes off the bench.
Ryan Crotty comes in at centre in place of Robbie Fruean with Jone Macilai returning to the right wing. Colin Slade has recovered from his quadriceps injury to take a spot on the bench. He will be joined by Nafi Tuitavake as backline cover.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Matt Todd, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.
Date: Saturday, June 13
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 15.30 (17.30 NZ time; 05.30 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
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