All Blacks Israel Dagg and Owen Franks have returned to the Crusaders line-up to take on the Sunwolves in Christchurch on Saturday.
Dagg has recovered from a knee injury to take his place on the right wing, while Franks is back from an Achilles injury to prop the front row alongside Tim Perry and Ben Funnell.
Coming off a bye week, coach Scott Robertson has named several changes to the team that last rsan out against the Jaguares.
Loose forward Ethan Blackadder - son of former Crusaders captain and coach Todd Blackadder - makes his Super Rugby debut in the No.6 jersey, while halfback Jack Stratton is poised for his first appearance off the bench.
Regular captain Sam Whitelock will be rested, with flanker Matt Todd assuming the leadership role.
The full line-up is:
Crusaders: George Bridge, Israel Dagg, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Manasa Mataele, Mike Delany, Mitchell Drummond, Tom Sanders, Matt Todd (captain), Ethan Blackadder, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Tim Perry
Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Wyatt Crockett, Chris King, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Jack Stratton, Mitchell Hunt, Seta Tamanivalu
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Join us at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders vs Sunwolves Super Rugby encounter.
