Kieran Read
The Crusaders made just one change to their team to play the Western Force in the opening match of Super Rugby’s Round 16.
The Crusaders captain Kieran has been named to return from a six-week lay-off, after taking a head knock against the Chiefs.
Read will captain the side and play at No 8.
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That sees Luke Whitelock move to the bench.
There are no other changes to the team that beat the Highlanders in a southern derby thriller last Saturday.
Read insists he’s at no more of further risk of concussion than any other player.
It was Read’s second concussion in Super Rugby this year, and he says if he were to suffer a third, his past wouldn’t affect his prognosis.
“I’m fully recovered, so another knock will just be a one-off if I do get that,” Read told Newstalk ZB.
“There’s nothing stopping it happening Sometimes you’re unlucky, but I’m not certainly not thinking about that.
“I just want to get out there and play some footy.”
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Tom Taylor, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (Captain), 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Tim Perry
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Adam Whitelock, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.
Date: Friday 30 May
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 15:35 AWST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Mike Lash (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)