crusaders.co.nz    04.Jul.2012Getty Images

Three players have recovered from injuries this week to return to the Crusaders starting line-up to play the Chiefs in Hamilton this Friday night. Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named a team that includes included Kieran Read at number 8 (recovered from concussion), Dan Carter at number 10 (recovered from hamstring injury) and Israel Dagg at 15 (recovered from sprained ankle).

The return of Read sees captain Richie McCaw return to number 7 and Matt Todd take the bench. Tom Taylor will hand the number 10 jersey to Carter and also take a spot on the bench, as will Sean Maitland who played at fullback last week.

The only other change to last week’s team is a rotation of the props, with Ben and Owen Franks taking the starting spots and Wyatt Crockett providing cover from the bench.

Crusaders team to play the Chiefs:

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Tom Donnelly, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Sean Maitland.