All Blacks captain Richie McCaw returns to Super Rugby via the reserves bench for the Crusaders' match against the Queensland Reds in Christchurch on Friday night.
McCaw missed last week's 23-29 loss to the Hurricanes after suffering a head knock the week before.
Matt Todd will again start at No.7, with McCaw making his impact off the bench in the Crusaders' last guaranteed home game in Christchurch for the season.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the starting line-up, Nepo Laulala packing down in the front row with Codie Taylor and Wyatt Crockett this week while Alex Hodgman and Joe Moody provide prop cover from the bench.
Dominic Bird pairs up with Sam Whitelock at lock, and Nafi Tuitavake will play on the right wing.
Outside back Jone Macilai will join McCaw in the reserves for his first Super Rugby game since breaking his arm in the pre-season.
The match could be the last at home for five Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Colin Slade, Dan Carter and Willi Heinz have all announced they will be heading offshore next season, while McCaw has also indicated it could be his final season.
Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Joe Moody, Jimmy Tupou, Richie McCaw, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, Jone Macili.
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