Coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to the starting XV who played the Blues, with Johnny McNicholl, who returns from injury, and Tom Marshall starting on the wings. Adam Whitelock and Tom Taylor move to the bench.
In the forward pack Dominic Bird, who had an impressive debut game last week, steps in for Luke Romano who is out with a rib injury.
The game will also see former teammates and brothers Owen and Ben Franks come head-to-head for the first time.
Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Friday (kickoff 7.35pm): Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Samuel Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock.
- Herald Online
