Crusaders make three changes for Blues

David Skippers

The Crusaders have made three alterations to their starting line-up to take on the Blues in their Super Rugby derby in Christchurch on Saturday.

All of the changes to the side this week are in the forwards including the return of Joe Moody at loosehead prop, shifting George Bower to the reserves.

At hooker, Andrew Makalio will start this game in place of Codie Taylor, and Brodie McAlister is set to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Kieran Read is on All Blacks rest this week, and there is a reshuffle in the loose forwards which sees Jordan Taufua move from number eight to the blindside flank.

Whetu Douglas start at number eight and Ethan Blackadder provides cover on the bench.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 18 George Bower, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Date: Saturday, May 25
Venue: Christchurch Stadium
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)