McCaw back to face Bulls

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wasted no time in bringing back All Black captain Richie McCaw for his team's Super Rugby Round Seven encounter with the Bulls.

The seven-time champion Crusaders start their South African tour against the three-time champion Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

McCaw, who was rested last week as the Crusaders demolished the Cheetahs 57-14, replaces Matt Todd at openside flank - with the latter dropping down to the replacement bench.

In all Blackadder made five changes to his starting line-up for the trip to Loftus Versfeld.

Blackadder has made two rotations in the front row, with prop Joe Moody and hooker Ben Funnell coming in for All Black Wyatt Crockett and Codie Taylor respectively. Crockett and Taylor both drop to the bench.

Dan Carter, who last week started at inside centre, returns to his more customary role in the No.10 jersey.

Tom Taylor moves out one position to No.12 and Colin Slade will play off the bench.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Kieron Fonotia, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Tom Taylor, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Colin Slade, 23 David Havilli.

Date: Saturday, March 28

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 06.10 Sunday, March 29 NZ time)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)

TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)