Crusaders change winless team

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to his team to face the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Round Four encounter in Wellington on Friday.

With both teams yet to secure a win it promises to be an exciting game with plenty of action.

Blackadder changed up the starting fifteen that played the Blues last weekend

Israel Dagg starts as fullback, while Johnny McNicholl, who returns from injury, and Tom Marshall will play on the wings.

This sees Adam Whitelock and Tom Taylor move to the bench.

In the forward pack Dominic Bird, who had an impressive debut Super Rugby game last week, steps in for Luke Romano - who is out with a rib injury.

The game will also see former teammates and brothers Owen and Ben Franks come head to head for the first time.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Date: Friday, March 8

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)

Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)