Ellis back, but still no Carter
The Crusaders got one All Black back, but are still without two others through injury.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to his starting line-up for the Crusaders' Round Three Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Dan Carter and Israel Dagg are both still sidelined through injury, while Nemani Nadolo is still 'rested' after having only returned from Japan last week.
The veteran flyhalf, Carter, is still struggling with the lower right leg injury he suffered in the opening round loss to the Rebels.
The fullback, Dagg, is struggling with a left quadriceps muscle injury suffered in the 26-20 win over the Highlanders last weekend.
Blackadder is hoping Carter and Dagg will return after next weekend's bye and be available to play the Lions in Christchurch on March 14.
In changes to the team Nepo Laulala comes in for suspended prop Owen Franks, out for two weeks, with Alex Hodgman joining Joe Moody as cover on the replacement bench.
Loose forwards Jordan Taufua and Luke Whitelock have switched positions, Taufua starting against the Chiefs as Whitelock takes a seat on the bench.
The final change is at fullback, Tom Taylor pulling on the No.15 jersey in place of the injured Dagg.
Scrumhalf Andy Ellis is set to make his return to Super Rugby if he gets a run off the bench, with Mitchell Drummond again starting behind the scrum.
Colin Slade, who kicked 16 points against the Highlanders, will continue to operate at No.10 in the absence of Carter.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Robbie Fruean, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Richie McCaw, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
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.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
