The Crusaders have received a huge boost for their key Super Rugby clash with the Western Force with skipper Kieran Read to return after six weeks.
The All Blacks No.8 and 2013 World Player of the Year has recovered from the concussion he suffered in the win over the Chiefs in mid-April.
He has also got over the cold that kept him sidelined from the Crusaders' 32-30 win over the Highlanders in a thriller last weekend.
Read's availability means Luke Whitelock goes to the bench.
The match in Christchurch on Friday night pits two teams with plenty to play for.
The Crusaders are the New Zealand conference leaders and sit third on the overall table, one place ahead of the Force.
Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (capt), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Tim Perry. Reserves: Nafi Tuitavake, Adam Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Jimmy Tupou, Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn.
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