Rugby: Dagg back at fullback

Israel Dagg. Photo / Getty Images

Israel Dagg has been shifted back to fullback for the Crusaders' clash with the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.

The All Black started on the wing in the side's open loss to the Blues last weekend.

Head coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to the starting XV that played the Blues last week.

Johnny McNicholl, who returns from injury, and Tom Marshall will start on the wings.

Adam Whitelock and Tom Taylor move to the bench. In the forward pack Dominic Bird, who had an impressive debut game last week, steps in for Luke Romano who is out with a rib injury.

The game will also see former team mates and brothers Owen and Ben Franks come head to head for the first time.

Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:
1. Wyatt Crockett , 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Samuel Whitelock, 5. Dominic Bird, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean,14. Tom Marshall, 15. Israel Dagg

Reserves
16. Ben Funnell, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Tom Donnelly,19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Adam Whitelock