Rugby: Taufua earns Crusaders start

Jordan Taufua has been called up to the Crusaders side for their crucial game against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images.

Jordan Taufua has been called up to the Crusaders side for their crucial game against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

It will be Taufua's first started this season, having been promoted from the reserves to play on the blindside.

Tom Taylor earned a recall and will start at centre this week in a match that will have a significant bearing on the New Zealand conference.

In the forwards, Owen Franks and Nepo Laulala have switched places again _ Franks will wear the No 3 jersey and Laulala takes a place on the bench.

Luke Romano (calf), Kieron Fonotia (hamstring), Richie McCaw (thumb) and Joe Moody (ankle) are still unavailable.

Crusaders team to play the Chiefs at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday (7.35pm): Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Willi Heinz, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Samuel Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Tyler Bleyendaal, Adam Whitelock.