McNicholl called up for banned Nadolo
McNicholl's return from a toe injury comes at the same time that star wing Nemani Nadolo starts his four-week ban for a spear tackle in the 40-14 win over the Brumbies.
The Crusaders had a bye last week and Nadolo will miss three matches – starting with the Reds this week.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, whose side has strung together seven wins in a row to be second in the New Zealand conference, has made five changes to the side that demolished the Brumbies.
Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa and Codie Taylor make up the front row – with Joe Moody and Owen Franks providing cover from the bench.
The locking partnership of Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock takes to the field, moving Luke Romano down to the replacement bench.
With McNicholl's return, Jone Macilai moves to the left wing and McNicholl wearing the No.14 jersey.
Mitchell Drummond starts at scrumhalf, with Andy Ellis taking a place on the bench.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Marty McKenzie.
Date: Friday, May 6
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown, Kane McBride
TMO: Chris Wratt
