All Blacks prop Ben Franks has been dropped to the bench while another international returns to the Crusaders’ starting line-up for their Super Rugby play-off clash with the Bulls.

Six-cap All Black Wyatt Crockett replaces Franks for Saturday night’s match in Christchurch, while lock Sam Whitelock returns after being rested last week.

Powerful centre Robbie Fruean is also restored to the run-on side with Adam Whitelock bumped out to the wing, relegating Sean Maitland to the reserves.

All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read has not recovered from a rib injury and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw again fills in at the back of the scrum.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Richie McCaw (captain), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Sean Maitland.