Richie returns for Crusaders

Richie McCaw will start on the bench for the Crusaders against the Reds in Christchurch on Friday.

The flanker missed his side's last match against the Hurricanes because of concussion.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made another three changes, with Nepo Laulala starting at loosehead prop, Dominic Bird at No 4 lock and Nafi Tuitavake on the right wing. Owen Franks, Luke Romano and David Havili are all being rested.

Crusaders – 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Joe Moody, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Richie McCaw, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Kieron Fonotia, 23 Jone Macilai.

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images

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