The Crusaders have made three changes to the team that beat the Blues for this weekend's Super Rugby clash against the Highlander with Kieran Read returning to the starting line up.

The Crusaders last match was against the Blues two weeks ago as they had the bye last weekend while Kieran Read last played for the Crusaders against the Rebels on May the 12th.

Read has recovered from his pelvis injury and returns at number 8, which means Richie McCaw returns to number 7 and Matt Todd moves to the bench.

Prop Ben Franks comes back into the starting line up at number 3 (tighthead) in place of his brother, Owen, who drops down to the bench;

The Crusaders have already played the Highlanders once this season and the Highlanders won the match 27-24 in Dunedin.

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett 2. Corey Flynn 3. Ben Franks 4. Luke Romano 5. Samuel Whitelock 6. George Whitelock 7. Richie McCaw (c) 8. Kieran Read 9. Andy Ellis 10. Dan Carter (vc) 11. Zac Guildford 12. Ryan Crotty 13. Robbie Fruean 14. Adam Whitelock15. Israel Dagg

Reserves :16. Quentin MacDonald,17. Owen Franks,18. Tom Donnelly,19. Matt Todd,20. Willi Heinz,21. Tom Taylor,22. Tom Marshall