The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in Nelson this Friday night, in their final home game of this season. Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to the starting line-up that faced the Waratahs last weekend and four further changes in the reserves.
Prop Alex Hodgman will make his first start of the season with Joe Moody out with a foot injury. Providing prop cover on the bench are Nepo Laulala and Tim Perry, who is set to play his first game since rupturing his achilles at the end of 2014.
Three players have been ruled out this week following head knocks in the game against the Waratahs, they are lock Sam Whitelock, number 8 Kieran Read and midfielder Ryan Crotty. That sees Jimmy Tupou start at lock alongside Luke Romano, while Dominic Bird takes a spot on the bench. Richie McCaw steps into captaincy duties and the number 7 jersey, with Matt Todd playing at 6, Jordan Taufua at 8 and Luke Whitelock on the bench.
Robbie Fruean is making his return from injury at centre and David Havili will start at 2nd five. Colin Slade and Israel Dagg are also both out with injuries this week, so Dan Carter starts at 1st five on Friday night, Tom Taylor at fullback and Kieron Fonotia joins the reserves.
Kick-off is at 7:35pm this Friday night at Trafalgar Park. Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:
| 1 | Alex Hodgman | RESERVES | |
| 2 | Ben Funnell | 16 | Codie Taylor |
| 3 | Owen Franks | 17 | Tim Perry |
| 4 | Luke Romano | 18 | Nepo Laulala |
| 5 | Jimmy Tupou | 19 | Dominic Bird |
| 6 | Matt Todd | 20 | Luke Whitelock |
| 7 | Richie McCaw (c) | 21 | Andy Ellis |
| 8 | Jordan Taufua | 22 | Kieron Fonotia |
| 9 | Mitchell Drummond | 23 | Jone Macilai |
| 10 | Dan Carter | ||
| 11 | Nemani Nadolo | ||
| 12 | David Havili | ||
| 13 | Robbie Fruean | ||
| 14 | Nafi Tuitavake | ||
| 15 | Tom Taylor |
Martin Myers 
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