McCaw returns, on the bench
All Back captain Richie McCaw will play, what is likely to be his final game in Christchurch for the Crusaders, from the bench.
The Crusaders will play their last guaranteed home game in Christchurch, for this season, on Friday – when they take on the Reds in a Super Rugby Round 13 encounter.
McCaw makes his comeback after missing last week's loss to the Hurricanes with a head knock – which he suffered in the Round 11 win over the Blues.
Christchurch fans will pay tribute to five special Crusaders and to thank them for their contribution to the team.
Tom Taylor, Colin Slade, Dan Carter and Willi Heinz have all announced that they will be heading offshore after this season.
McCaw has also indicated that it could be his final season, which means it could be the last chance for Christchurch fans to see them in action for the Crusaders.
Coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to the starting line-up and a new face enters the replacement bench.
Nepo Laulala will pack down in the front row with Codie Taylor and Wyatt Crockett this week.
Alex Hodgman and Joe Moody will provide prop cover from the bench.
Dominic Bird pairs up with Sam Whitelock at lock.
Nafi Tuitavake will play on the right wing.
Joining McCaw on the bench will be outside back Jone Macilai, who will play his first Super Rugby game since breaking his arm in the pre-season.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 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 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Joe Moody, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Richie McCaw, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Kieron Fonotia, 23 Jone Macilai.
Date: Friday, May 8
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
