McCaw to lead last 'home' Crusade
Injuries have forced Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder to make seven changes to the starting line-up for their last Super Rugby home game of the season.
Richie McCaw will captain the team against the table-topping Hurricanes in Nelson.
Three players have been ruled out following head knocks – lock Sam Whitelock, No.8 Kieran Read and midfielder Ryan Crotty.
Jimmy Tupou will start at lock alongside Luke Romano, while Dominic Bird takes a spot on the bench.
McCaw will wear the No.7 jersey, with Matt Todd playing at No.6 and Jordan Taufua at No.8.
Luke Whitelock comes onto the bench.
Prop Alex Hodgman will make his first start of the season for Joe Moody, out with a foot injury, while Nepo Laulala and Tim Perry, set to play his first game since rupturing his Achilles late last year, provide cover from the bench.
Robbie Fruean is making his return from injury at centre and David Havili will start at inside centre.
Colin Slade and Israel Dagg are also both out with injuries this week, so Dan Carter starts in the No.10 jersey and Tom Taylor at fullback.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Matt Todd, 5 Jimmy Tupou, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Kieron Fonotia, 23 Jone Macilai.
Date: Friday, May 29
Venue: Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
