Israel Dagg will start at fullback in one of five changes to the Crusaders team to play the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Dagg was one of several All Blacks rested for the Crusaders' opening match against the Rebels, which they lost 20-10 in Christchurch, but has now been fast-tracked back into the starting XV for Saturday.

In other backline changes, Colin Slade shifts from fullback to flyhalf in place of Dan Carter, who's still nursing a leg injury sustained against the Rebels, while Tom Taylor makes way for Ryan Crotty at inside centre.  

Up front, loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett replaces Joe Moody and lock Scott Barrett earns his first Vodacom Super Rugby start ahead of Dominic Bird.

The Crusaders have beaten the Highlanders 18 times in Super Rugby, while losing on just eight occasions.

Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Robbie Fruean, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Matt Todd (c), 6 Richie McCaw, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Codie Taylor, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images