Andy Ellis is out injured, and Isaac Ross is back in the starting line-up – these are the two changes for the Crusaders as they head for Hamilton to take on the Chiefs in their North Island – South Island derby on Friday.

Thomas Waldrom and Ben Franks will both be available to take places on the replacements’ bench.

No.8 Waldrom did not play in the victory over the Blues last weekend – the first match he has missed for the Crusaders – due to an Achilles tendon strain suffered in the previous week’s win over the Sharks. Prop Franks was sidelined last week by a knee strain. Both players were initially bracketed but came through training well on Wednesday.

Scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i gets his first start of the season, replacing Andy Ellis, who received a head knock against the Blues.

At lock Isaac Ross teams up with Brad Thorn, with Sam Whitelock on the replacements’ bench after starting in the previous four matches.

Coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a tough encounter in Hamilton against a Chiefs’ side which will be hurting after losing to the Reds last weekend.

“The Chiefs are always tough at home and they obviously have some very exciting ball runners, but we’ll be well prepared and are looking forward to it,” he said.

Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.

Date: Friday, March 12
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Matthew Stanish (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)