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All Black duo back for Crusaders

Scrumhalf Andy Ellis and lock Samuel Whitelock were late withdrawals from the team played the Hurricanes last week, but both have been declared fit to play against the Lions (Ellis recovering from a calf strain and Whitelock from a virus).  

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Whitelock will partner Luke Romano at lock, and Scott Barrett will provide cover from the bench. 

Jordan Taufua comes back into the starting line-up at No.6, and Jimmy Tupou shifts to the bench.

The only changes to the backs are Jone Macilai taking the wing in the place of the injured Nemani Nadolo, and Ben Volavola taking a spot in the reserves in place of Mitchell Hunt.  

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 David Havili, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Jimmy Tupou, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Kieron Fonotia.

Date: Saturday, July 23

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT; 02:30 Sunday, July 24 NZ time)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

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