All Blacks flood back at Crusaders

Three All Blacks, who have recovered from injuries this week, return to the Crusaders starting line-up to play the Chiefs in Hamilton this Friday.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named a team that includes Kieran Read at No.8 (recovered from concussion), Dan Carter at flyhalf (recovered from hamstring injury) and Israel Dagg at fullback (recovered from sprained ankle).

The return of Read sees captain Richie McCaw return to the openside flank and Matt Todd drop to the bench.  

Tom Taylor will hand the No.10 jersey to Carter and also take a spot on the bench, as will Sean Maitland who played at fullback last week.

The only other change to last week’s team is a rotation of the props, with Ben and Owen Franks taking the starting spots and Wyatt Crockett providing cover from the bench.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.

Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Tom Donnelly , 19 Matt Todd, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Sean Maitland.

Date:  Friday, July 6

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

TMO: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)