Chiefs v Crusaders: Teams

Craig Clarke and Aled de Malmanche have been recalled to the Chiefs line-up to face the Crusaders on Friday.

Clarke has recovered from injury to take his place in the second row, while de Malmanche replaces Hika Elliott, who strained a hamstring in training.

With de Malmanche stepping up from the bench, Vern Kamo comes in to provide cover.

Former All Blacks No.8 Sione Lauaki has been omitted from the squad after he was charged with assault.

All Blacks lock Isaac Ross will return to the Crusaders second row for the trip to Hamilton.

Ross will team up with Brad Thorn, meaning Sam Whitelock drops down to the bench.

Scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i also comes into the starting XV after Andy Ellis received a head knock against the Blues.

Thomas Waldrom and Ben Franks are both fit again to take their places among the replacements.

And coach Todd Blackadder is expecting the Chiefs to come out fighting after their shock loss to the Reds.

"The Chiefs are always tough at home and they obviously have some very exciting ball runners, but we'll be well prepared and are looking forward to it," he said.

Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Romana Graham, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Dwayne Sweeney.

Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.