Ongoing concussion problems mean All Black No.8 Kieran Read will miss the Crusaders final pool match of the season against the Blues in Auckland this weekend.
Read was concussed in the loss to the New South Wales Waratahs a fortnight ago and missed last rounds win over the Hurricanes too.
Crusaders number eight Kieran Read. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named an unchanged backline for the match against the Blues while there are three changes in the forwards from the Hurricanes game.
Prop Wyatt Crockett and and hooker Codie Taylor start in the front row, while Dominic Bird will start at lock alongside Luke Romano.
Sam Whitelock returns from a head knock to take a spot on the bench, as does Ryan Crotty.
