Richie McCaw

Dan Carter

A host of Crusaders could be playing their last ever Super Rugby match in Christchurch as the 7-time champs play host to the Reds this Friday.

Tom Taylor, Colin Slade, Dan Carter and Willi Heinz have all announced that they will be heading offshore after this season and Richie McCaw has also indicated that it could be his final season, which means it could be the last chance for Christchurch fans to see them in action for the Crusaders.

Friday night marks the team’s final game in Christchurch this season, unless they qualify for the Finals Series and earn the right to host.

Head coach Todd Blackadder has made 3 changes to the starting line-up and a new face enters the reserves.

Nepo Laulala will pack down in the front row with Codie Taylor and Wyatt Crockett this week. Alex Hodgman and Joe Moody will provide prop cover from the reserves.

Dominic Bird pairs up with Sam Whitelock at lock, and Nafi Tuitavake will play on the right wing.

In the replacements, Richie McCaw returns from a head knock received in the Blues game and outside back Jone Macilai will play his 1st Super Rugby game, if he makes it off the bench. He’s been sidelined since breaking his arm in the pre-season.

Christchurch fans will be asked to stick around after the match to pay tribute to 5 special Crusaders and to thank them for their contribution to the team.

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

Date: Friday 8 May
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)