Codie Taylor out as teams named for Super Rugby round three

The Crusaders' quest for a first win this Super Rugby season just got even tougher.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with the unbeaten Chiefs in Hamilton with a rib injury.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs remain without new dad Damian McKenzie who's likely to make his season debut in round four.

CHIEFS v CRUSADERS

SAT FEB 28: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)

CHIEFS (1-15):Jared Proffit, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo

Replacements:Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O'Neill, Samipeni Finau, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Lalakai Foketi

CRUSADERS (1-15):Tamaiti Williams, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Leicester Fainga'anuku, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louis Chapman, James White, Dallas McLeod

The Highlanders have made minimal changes as they travel to Brisbane on Friday night to tackle the Reds, who are coming off a bye.

Veteran prop Daniel Lienert‑Brown is set to add to his 134 caps with his first appearance of the season.

REDS v HIGHLANDERS

FRI 27 FEB: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (18:35)

HIGHLANDERS (1-15):Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a

The Hurricanes have turned to Callum Harkin to start at first-five against Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday as Brett Cameron joins Ruben Love on the injured list.

26 year-old Harkin made the move up from fullback and excelled during last weekend's big win over Moana Pasifika.

Josh Moorby moves from the wing to the 15 jersey, while playmaker Lucas Cashmore is set to debut from the bench.

FIJIAN DRUA v HURRICANES

SAT 28 FEB: Churchill Park, Lautoka (15:35)

HURRICANES (1-15):Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Callum Harkin, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby

Replacements:Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Ngane Punivai

Departing Blues captain Dalton Papali'i is set to play his 100th game for the franchise in the blockbuster match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

The backline is unchanged while there's a few tweaks to the forward pack with Joshua Fusitu’a sidelined by an elbow injury, as Ofa Tu’ungafasi moves to loosehead prop.

Kurt Eklund starts at hooker and lock Sam Darry returns after missing last week’s win over the Force following a head knock against the Chiefs.

BRUMBIES v BLUES

SAT 28 FEB: GIO Stadium, Canberra (19:35)

BLUES (1-15):Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements:Bradley Slater, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai