McCaw forced to move... again

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has again been forced to move one of his most influential players, when he named the team to take on the Western Force in their final regular season game on Saturday.

There are three changes to the starting line-up that met the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend and two positional changes.

All Black Kieran Read's rib injury in the Chiefs match has ruled him out for this week, with national captain and Crusaders leader Richie McCaw again forced to move into the No.8 position and Matt Todd coming in at openside flank.

Tom Donnelly and Luke Romano will make up the locking duo this weekend, with Samuel Whitelock moving to the reserves.

Adam Whitelock shifts from the wing to centre, making room for Sean Maitland to start in his favoured position of right wing.

That sees Robbie Fruean move to the bench.

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

Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Robbie Fruean.

Date: Saturday, July 14

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), in Kane McBride (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)