All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read returns to the starting line-up to captain the Crusaders in their final Super Rugby pre-season trial match against the Melbourne Rebels.

International team-mate Andy Ellis also makes his first start for the Crusaders – at halfback for the match at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Saturday.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks will make his first start alongside brother Owen, while lock Tom Donnelly was also named in the starting 15.

The highly-contested No.10 jersey returns to Tyler Bleyendaal this week, who started there in the 47-19 thumping of the Highlanders two weeks ago.

Tom Taylor, who started at No.10 in the 19-8 win over the Hurricanes, moves out a position to play inside centre.

Adam Whitelock will play in his third different jumper this season with a start at centre. He played in the No.12 jersey against the Hurricanes, and on the wing against the Highlanders.

Sean Maitland returns to the wing, with Patrick Osborne moving to the bench where he joins Luke Whitelock and Willi Heinz.

The Crusaders’ Super Rugby campaign begins against the Blues at Eden Park on February 24.