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Dagg in, McCaw out for Cheetahs

Todd Blackadder has named his side to take on the Cheetahs this Saturday, making four changes to the starting line-up that beat the Lions last weekend.

 

In the forwards, hookers Codie Taylor and Ben Funnell will rotate so that Taylor starts at No.2.

 

Matt Todd, named captain for the season, returns to the team to play at No.7 this week – replacing All Black captain Richie McCaw.

 

However, Kieran Read retains the captaincy for this match.

 

In the backline, Israel Dagg returns from injury to take the fullback spot, while Kieron Fonotia moves onto the wing following Johnny McNicholl’s knee (posterior cruciate ligament) injury last week.

 

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Kieron Fonotia, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 David Havili

 

Date: Saturday, March 21

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 SAST; 06.35 GMT)

Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)

Assistant Referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)

TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)

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