All Blacks Richie McCaw and Luke Romano return to the Crusaders starting line-up for Saturday's clash against defending Super Rugby champions the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the side that pounded the Queensland Reds 58-17 in their last start two weeks ago.
Romano returns at lock to boost the lineout, while All Blacks captain McCaw will start his first match since he was knocked out in the Crusaders' 29-15 Anzac Day win over the Blues.
Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett keeps the No.1 jersey, but Owen Franks returns to the starting 15 at tighthead while Ben Funnell starts at hooker.
The only change in the backline comes at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond rotating into the starting spot and Andy Ellis providing cover from the bench.
Fullback Israel Dagg makes his return from injury off the bench, in his first game since suffering a calf strain in the 25-20 loss to the Highlanders on April 11.
The seven-time Super Rugby champions Crusaders sit ninth on the overall table, and fourth in the New Zealand conference with four matches remaining.
Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read (captain), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Israel Dagg, Jone Macilai.
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