The Crusaders head to Sydney this evening to prepare for their clash with the Waratahs on Saturday night. Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the side that beat the Reds two weeks ago.
Keeping the number 1 jersey this week is prop Wyatt Crockett, who will become the most capped Crusader ever as he plays his 152nd game and surpasses Corey Flynn’s record. There are changes in the other front row positions though, with hookers Ben Funnell and Codie Taylor rotating again so that Funnell takes the starting spot on Saturday night, and prop Owen Franks returning to the starting fifteen. Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala will provide prop cover from the bench.
Luke Romano returns at lock and Richie McCaw is back at 7, with Matt Todd taking a place in the reserves.
The only change in the backline is at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond rotating into the starting spot and Andy Ellis providing cover from the bench.
Israel Dagg will make his return from injury off the bench, having recovered from a calf strain.
Kick off is at 9:40pm (NZT) on Saturday night.
Crusaders team to play the Waratahs:
| 1 | Wyatt Crockett | RESERVES | |
| 2 | Ben Funnell | 16 | Codie Taylor |
| 3 | Owen Franks | 17 | Joe Moody |
| 4 | Luke Romano | 18 | Nepo Laulala |
| 5 | Sam Whitelock | 19 | Jimmy Tupou |
| 6 | Jordan Taufua | 20 | Matt Todd |
| 7 | Richie McCaw | 21 | Andy Ellis |
| 8 | Kieran Read (c) | 22 | Israel Dagg |
| 9 | Mitchell Drummond | 23 | Jone Macilai |
| 10 | Colin Slade | ||
| 11 | Nemani Nadolo | ||
| 12 | Dan Carter | ||
| 13 | Ryan Crotty | ||
| 14 | Nafi Tuitavake | ||
| 15 | Tom Taylor |
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