Israel Dagg returns to fullback in one of six changes to the Crusaders' starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Tom Taylor moves to outside centre, while Andy Ellis will start at scrumhalf.

In the forwards, the All Blacks front row of Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn and Owen Franks move to the bench with Tim Perry, Ben Funnell and Nepo Laulala coming in.

Adam Whitelock has returned from Glasgow where he made his New Zealand Sevens debut and will be on the bench.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders have made four changes to their starting XV, with sharp shooting flyhalf Lima Sopoaga returning from an ankle injury and Hayden Parker moving to the bench. Wing Patrick Osborne recovered from an injury sustained against the Sharks in Durban and replaces Jason Emery.

In the forwards prop Chris King comes back after his suspension, while the injured Liam Coltman is replaced by Ged Robinson, making way for Ma'afu Fia on the bench.

Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Tom Taylor, 12 Ryan Crotty (c), 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Tim Perry.
Subs: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 George Whitelock, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Adam Whitelock, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Richard Buckman,13  Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (c), 7 Shane Christie, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Kane Hames.
Subs: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Matias Diaz, 18 Ma'afu Fia, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Phil Burleigh.

Photo: Matt King/Getty Images