Kieran Read’s rib injury means another start at No.8 for skipper Richie McCaw as the Crusaders look to secure a home Super Rugby win against the Western Force on Saturday night.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to the starting line-up and two positional changes for the Force clash, where a final-round win will secure a home quarter-final.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Read’s rib injury in last week’s defeat of the Chiefs would rule him out this week, so McCaw moves to No.8 and Matt Todd will come in at openside flanker.

Tom Donnelly and Luke Romano will make up the locks, with Samuel Whitelock moving to the reserves.

Adam Whitelock shifts from the wing to centre, making room for Sean Maitland on the right wing. Robbie Fruean moves to the bench.

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