Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's clash against the Stormers in Christchurch.

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg has been named on the wing with Colin Slade retaining the No 15 jersey. Blackadder said Slade's performance in last weekend's loss to the Blues warranted re-selection at fullback.

Wyatt Crockett will start at loosehead prop as Tim Perry moves to the bench, while Luke Romano replaces fellow All Blacks lock Dominic Bird.

Luke Whitelock takes the No 6 jersey from his eldest brother George, who is recovering from an adductor strain. And with Richie McCaw having just had surgery on a broken thumb, Matt Todd is at No 7 with Jordan Taufua on the bench.

In the backs, Willi Heinz will start at scrumhalf and Andy Ellis will provide cover from the bench. Johnny McNicholl has been added to the right wing with Rob Thompson dropping out of the match 23.

Nafi Tuitavake is recovering from a hamstring strain, which gives Tasman centre Kieron Fonotia the chance to make his Crusaders debut if he comes off the bench.

Crusaders – 15 Colin Slade, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Tom Taylor, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Luke Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Tyler Bleyendaal, 23 Kieron Fonotia.

Stormers team to play Crusaders

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images