The Crusaders have made a number of changes to their team for Saturday's clash against the Kings in Christchurch.
Coach Todd Blackadder has rested All Blacks Kieran Read, Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Andy Ellis, while handing starts to prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Ben Funnell. Lock Luke Romano, loose forward Matt Todd, scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond and fullback Marty McKenzie will all start in their first games of the season.
David Havili shifts to inside centre and Kieron Fonotia to 13, with Johnny McNicholl and Nemani Nadolo on the wings.
Crusaders – 15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Jone Macilai.
Photo: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images
