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George Whitelock retains the No 7 for the Crusaders jersey despite Richie McCaw’s return. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is back in the Crusaders starting line-up, but in an unfamiliar position.

McCaw will start at blindside flanker for Saturday night's Super 14 match against the Blues in Christchurch after making a successful return off the bench last week. George Whitelock has been retained at openside.

Fellow All Black Kieran Read shifts to No 8 in place of the injured Thomas Waldrom, while Owen Franks replaces brother Ben in the front row.

The backline remains unchanged.

On the bench, All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn has been bracketed with Quentin MacDonald. Isaac Ross also returns from injury to take a place on the bench.

Crusaders
Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, George Whitelock, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald/Corey Flynn, Peter Borlase, Isaac Ross, Jonathon Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade.

Acknowledgements: NEWSTALK ZB