Blackadder names strongest line-up to play Chiefs

Todd Blackadder has predictably named his strongest side to face the Chiefs in Christchurch on Friday. Photo / Getty Images.

Todd Blackadder has predictably named his strongest side to face the Chiefs in Christchurch on Friday.

He has made five changes to the starting XV which beat the Highlanders 40-12 in Dunedin last weekend.

Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn and Owen Franks return to the front row, the latter returning from an elbow infection which saw him hospitalised for two days.

Luke Romano joins Sam Whitelock in the middle row and Kieran Read claims the No8 jersey.
The Chiefs won the first encounter between the sides 28-19 in Hamilton in May. The Chiefs have not played in Christchurch since 2009 _ the Crusaders playing the fixture in Napier since then.

Last year the Crusaders suffered a narrow loss to the Chiefs at McLean Park.

The Crusaders, fifth on the table, need a victory to cement themselves in the top six. Dave Rennie's men need only a competition point to secure top spot in the New Zealand conference.

Crusaders team to play the Chiefs at AMI Stadium on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Telusa Veainu.