The Crusaders have made three changes for Friday's pre-season friendly against the Hurricanes in Blenheim.

Mitchell Drummond is at scrumhalf ahead of stalwart Andy Ellis, who drops to the bench, while wingers Nemani Nadolo and Johnny McNicholl return to the starting XV in place of George Bridge and Sione Fifita.

Coach Todd Blackadder has also made one positional change by swapping around centres Sean Wainui and Kieron Fonotia.

Front rowers Ben Funnell and Owen Franks will return to action via the bench, while Luke Romano is given a rest before Super Rugby starts next weekend.

Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Sean Wainui, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Oliver Jager, 20 Mitchell Dunshea, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Jone Macilai, 24 Peter Samu, 25 Reed Prinsep.

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images