Read out of clash with Blues

Number eight Kieran Read is missing from the Crusaders, in one of seven changes to the team to take on Blues on Saturday.

Daniel Carter will play at first five.

Read is still recovering from the heavy fall suffered in the loss to the Rebels, while Luke Whitelock is also out because of a minor head knock.

Captain Richie McCaw will play number eight and Matt Todd comes in at openside.

There are a number of changes to the backs, with Carter moving to 10 for Tom Taylor who drops out of the 22 due to a minor injury, Israel Dagg taking the fullback spot and Andy Ellis returning to halfback.

Ryan Crotty is at second five, while Adam Whitelock will start on the right wing.

Full team: Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock, George Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw (c), Andy Ellis, Dan Carter (vc), Zac Guildford, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock, Israel Dagg.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Brendon O'Connor, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Tom Marshall.

Photo: Kieran Read (Photosport)