The Crusaders have named a near full strength team to play the Chiefs which includes Dan Carter and Kieran Read returning from injury.

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Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has been able to name Kieran Read at number 8 after he recovered from concussion sustained playing for the All Blacks.

Dan Carter also sustained a hamstring injury playing for the All Blacks but returns to a line up that also includes a returning Israel Dagg who has recovered from a sprained ankle.

The return of Read sees captain Richie McCaw return to number 7 and Matt Todd take the bench.

Carter’s return means that Tom Taylor who played at 10 last weekend drops down to the bench and Sean Maitland who played at fullback last week also drops to the bench.

The only other change to last week’s team is a rotation of the props, with Ben and Owen Franks taking the starting spots and Wyatt Crockett providing cover from the bench.

Crusaders:

1. Ben Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Richie McCaw (Captain), 8. Kieran Read, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Adam Whitelock, 15. Israel Dagg

Replacements: 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Tom Donnelly, 19. Matt Todd, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Sean Maitland.