Crusaders team .

There are three changes to the starting line-up that beat the Highlanders last week.

In the front row, Nepo Laulala comes into the starting fifteen with Owen Franks suspended for two weeks. Alex Hodgman will join Joe Moody as prop cover in the reserves.

Loose forwards Jordan Taufua and Luke Whitelock have switched positions, so that Taufua takes the starting spot against the Chiefs and Whitelock takes a seat on the bench.

The final change is at fullback, which sees Tom Taylor pulling on the 15 jersey to give Israel Dagg more time to recover from a quad strain.

Halfback Andy Ellis is set to make his return to Super Rugby if he gets a run off the bench on Saturday night.

The team fly to Hamilton tomorrow and kick-off at Waikato Stadium is 7:35pm on Saturday night.

Crusaders team: 

1 Wyatt Crockett
2 Ben Funnell
3 Nepo Laulala
4 Luke Romano
5 Scott Barrett
6 Richie McCaw
7 Matt Todd (c)
8 Jordan Taufua
9 Mitchell Drummond
10 Colin Slade
11 Johnny McNicholl
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Kieron Fonotia
14 Robbie Fruean
15 Tom Taylor

RESERVES

16 Codie Taylor
17 Joe Moody
18 Alex Hodgman
19 Jimmy Tupou
20 Luke Whitelock
21 Andy Ellis
22 Nathaniel Apa
23 Nafi Tuitavake