Whitelock blow for Crusaders

The Round 14 match is the final round of fixtures before the June international break.

The Crusaders will be without All Black lock Sam Whitelock, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the starting fifteen that beat the Waratahs last weekend.

With Whitelock sidelined, Scott Barrett was named in the starting line-up and Jimmy Tupou was moved onto the replacement bench.

Scrumhalves Andy Ellis and Mitchell Drummond have rotated - with Drummond starting and Ellis playing off the bench.

Nemani Nadolo returns to the side this week, following a four week suspension, and will join Johnny McNicholl on the wings.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 David Havili, 23 Marty McKenzie.

Kick-off: Saturday, May 28

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)