Stephen Brett will take his place at no.10 as he makes his first start in a month due to a shoulder injury. Brett came off the bench for 10 minutes against the Lions when Hamish Gard started at No 10 in the absence of injured No 10 Dan Carter.
As well, Brad Thorn has overcome a calf injury to take his place at lock while regular captain Richie McCaw returns on the openside flank.
McCaw, Ross Filipo, Kade Poki and Kahn Fotuali’i have all been reintroduced to the 22-strong squad after missing the win over the Lions, replacing George Whitelock, Michael Paterson, the injured Reuben Thorne and Steve Alfeld respectively.
Fullback Leon MacDonald has been allowed another week to recover from the thigh muscle tear he sustained against the Hurricanes on March 28.
In his absence, Scott Hamilton will again start from fullback.
Crusaders team named today for a Super 14 rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night (morning UK time):
Scott Hamilton, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Caleb Ralph, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali’i, Richard McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks.