The Crusaders welcome back All Black Aaron Mauger and give halfback Andrew Ellis and prop Wyatt Crockett their first Super 14 rugby starts in the team to play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.
Coach Robbie Deans today made four changes to his starting lineup from the team which beat
the Blues 39-10 to take the competition lead.
Mauger returns from a hamstring injury to replace Cameron McIntyre at second five-eighth, Ellis gets his chance with All Black Kevin Senio on the bench, Crockett replaces Campbell Johnstone who is out with a calf strain, while lock Ross Filipo replaces Brad Mika.
Reserve prop Ben Franks comes into the playing 22 for the first time this season.
Crusaders team:
Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves:
Tone Kopelani, Ben Franks, Brad Mika, Johnny Leo'o, Kevin Senio, Cameron McIntyre, Casey Laulala.
- NZPA
