Andy Ellis and Sam Whitelock will start for the Crusaders in Saturday's quarter-final against the Lions at Ellis Park.

The scrumhalf and lock were last-minute withdrawals from the Crusaders team that lost to the Hurricanes last week, but the pair have recovered from their respective injury niggles. Their inclusion relegates Mitchell Drummond and Scott Barrett to the bench.

Elsewhere, left wing Nemani Nadolo has been ruled out with a hamstring strain and is replaced by Jone Macilai, while flank Jimmy Tupou makes way for Jordan Taufua. 

Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 David Havili, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Jimmy Tupou, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Kieron Fonotia.

Super Rugby teams (Quarter-finals)

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images