Rugby: Slade to start at No10 for Crusaders

Todd Blackadder has again re-shuffled his Crusaders backline, with Colin Slade the latest candidate for the No10 jersey to play the Rebels in Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images.

Todd Blackadder has again re-shuffled his Crusaders backline, with Colin Slade the latest candidate for the No10 jersey to play the Rebels in Melbourne.

Tom Taylor, who has started at first-five for the past two matches, has been moved to second-five, with Ryan Crotty moved to centre.

Israel Dagg has been re-instated to fullback after playing on the left wing in the Crusaders' narrow win over the Stormers in Christchurch.

Another feature of the team is the naming of Fijian international Nemani Nadolo on the reserves bench. The 125kg wing scored two tries for the Crusaders Development team at the weekend after recovering from a knee injury on his arrival from Japan.

Ben Funnell starts at hooker, with Corey Flynn unavailable due to a fractured eye socket.

Crusaders team to play the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne, kick-off 9.40pm NZT: Israel Dagg, Nafi Tuitavake, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, Nemani Nadolo.