The Crusaders' side to face the Reds this Saturday has been boosted with the return of captain David Havili from injury.
Fullback Will Jordan has been ruled out after pulling up with calf tightness earlier in the week, while Codie Taylor and Braydon Ennor have been ruled out with a hamstring injuries.
George Bell will take his place up front alongside George Bower, and Fletcher Newell and Manumaua Letiu will join the bench.
Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah will combine in the locking positions.
Dom Gardiner starts again after a strong return off the bench last week, while Corey Kellow shifts across the loose forward trio, continuing a run of impressive form.
In the halves, Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara combine once more, while out wide, Sevu Reece, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Chay Fihaki provide strike and speed, while McNicholl’s calm presence at the back adds reassurance under the high ball.
On the bench are Manumaua Letiu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Johnny Lee, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, and Dallas McLeod.
The Crusaders play the Reds at 9.35pm Saturday.
In other games, the Highlanders will meet the Brumbies at 7.05pm Friday, Moana Pasifika will play the Chiefs at 2.05pm Saturday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua host the Force at 4.35pm, while the Blues meet the Hurricanes at 7.05pm.
