Dagg takes centre stage

Ryan Crotty will lead a more experienced Crusaders team against the Highlanders in their second Super Rugby pre-season outing in Oamaru on Friday.

The game sees the inclusion of some of the more experienced players into the squad including Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano and Israel Dagg.

However, the most significant selection is that of Dagg in the centres, alongside captain Crotty.

* Meanwhile Telusa Veainu has, this week, been called into the Crusaders team.

Veainu was a member of the last three winning Canterbury NPC teams and has also been part of the Highlanders wider training squad.

He is currently on an interim contract with the Crusaders as cover for the outside backs.

Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Israel Dagg, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Tom Taylor, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Shane Christie, 6 Luke Whitelock, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Pa'ea Fa'anunu, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements - from: Tyler Blyendaal, Matt Todd, Kieran Fonotia, George Whitelock, Mitch Graham, Joel Everson, .Telusa Veainu, Robbie Fruean, Willi Heinz, Jeremy Su'a, Jimmy Tupou, Joe Moody, Adrian Barone, Codie Taylor.

Date: Friday, February 8

Venue: Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru

Kick-off: 16.30 (-3.30 GMT)

Referee: Garratt Williamson