Hard fall: Read recovers in time to start alongside McCaw for the first time this season

ALL BLACKS loose forward Kieran Read returns to the Crusaders starting line-up to face the Highlanders. Read sustained a bruised pelvis during their 28-19 defeat to the Rebels, nearly three weeks ago, and will start alongside fellow All Black Richie McCaw for the first time this season.

The team return refreshed after a week off, and make three changes to the starting XV that beat the Blues 59-12, two weeks ago.

Owen Franks moves to the bench making way for his brother, Ben, who starts at tighthead. Making way for Read at number 8, Captain Richie McCaw moves to openside, shifting Matt Todd to the bench.

Super Rugby Round 15
Crusaders v Highlanders
Friday, 1st June 2012 at AMI Stadium [Addington]
Kick-off: 08:35 [GMT]

Starting XV:
15. Israel Dagg, 14. Adam Whitelock, 13. Robbie Fruean, 12. Ryan Crotty, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Dan Carter (vc), 9.    Andy Ellis, 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

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