The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in Nelson this Friday night, in their final home game of this season.  Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to the starting line-up that faced the Waratahs last weekend and four further changes in the reserves.

Prop Alex Hodgman will make his first start of the season with Joe Moody out with a foot injury. Providing prop cover on the bench are Nepo Laulala and Tim Perry, who is set to play his first game since rupturing his achilles at the end of 2014.

Three players have been ruled out this week following head knocks in the game against the Waratahs, they are lock Sam Whitelock, number 8 Kieran Read and midfielder Ryan Crotty.  That sees Jimmy Tupou start at lock alongside Luke Romano, while Dominic Bird takes a spot on the bench.  Richie McCaw steps into captaincy duties and the number 7 jersey, with Matt Todd playing at 6, Jordan Taufua at 8 and Luke Whitelock on the bench.

Robbie Fruean is making his return from injury at centre and David Havili will start at 2^nd five.  Colin Slade and Israel Dagg are also both out with injuries this week, so Dan Carter starts at 1^st five on Friday night, Tom Taylor at fullback and Kieron Fonotia joins the reserves.

Kick-off is at 7:35pm this Friday night at Trafalgar Park.  Tickets for the embankment and Take a Kid to Footy tickets are still available through www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes: