Saders start rookie scrumhalf

The Crusaders have made four changes for Saturday's match against the Blues in Christchurch.

Up front, Codie Taylor will start at hooker and Owen Franks at tighthead prop, with Ben Funnell and Nepo Laulala moving to the bench.

Among the backs, 21-year-old Mitchell Drummond, who has just one Super Rugby cap, has been given the No 9 jersey, with Andy Ellis among the substitutes. Ryan Crotty is back at 13 having recovered from a head knock.

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

Super Rugby teams (Round 11)

Photo: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images

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