The Crusaders have made three changes to their pack for Saturday's match against the Blues in Auckland.

Wyatt Crockett returns at loosehead, while Alex Hodgman drops to the bench. Hookers Ben Funnell and Codie Taylor have rotated again so that Taylor takes the starting spot.

The final change to the starting XV is at lock, with Dominic Bird coming into the team alongside Luke Romano, as Jimmy Tupou drops out of the squad.

Crusaders – 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Matt Todd, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Kieron Fonotia.

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images