No Carter as Dagg returns

 

He is one of five changes to the starting line-up this week.

 

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has named Wyatt Crockett to start in the No.1 jersey this week, with Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala providing prop cover from the bench.  

Scott Barrett will start at lock for the first time in Super Rugby, pairing up with Luke Romano and with Dominic Bird on the bench.

 

Colin Slade shifts from fullback to flyhalf, with Daniel Carter recovering from a knock to the leg in last week’s match, and Dagg steps in at No.15.  

 

Ryan Crotty and Tom Taylor have switched places, Crotty taking the starting No.12 spot this week and Taylor taking a spot on the bench.

 

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Robbie Fruean, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Matt Todd (captian), 6 Richie McCaw, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacments: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.

 

Date: Saturday, February 21

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Mike Lash (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)