Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team to take on the Hurricanes this Saturday night at Christchurch’s AMI Stadium (Addington). Notably, it will be prop Wyatt Crockett’s 100th game for the Crusaders.
Injuries to Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Dan Carter and Tom Marshall have made them unavailable for selection. That sees captain Richie McCaw move into the number eight position usually occupied by Kieran Read, and Matt Todd come in as flanker.
Carter’s hamstring injury gives Tom Taylor the kicking duties and number ten jersey. Tyler Bleyendaal will provide cover for him from the bench.
Sean Maitland comes in as fullback, and Patrick Osborne may get his first run for the Crusaders if he comes off the bench as cover for the backs.
Tickets are still available for the match and can be purchased through Ticket Direct (ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 224 224) or The Warehouse. The extended West Stand that was erected for the Steinlager Series test match will still be in place for this game, so even more fans will be able to come along.
Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn
3. Ben Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd
8. Richie McCaw (c)
9. Andy Ellis (vc)
10.Tom Taylor
11.Zac Guildford
12.Ryan Crotty
13.Robbie Fruean
14.Adam Whitelock
15.Sean Maitland
Reserves
16.Quentin MacDonald
17.Owen Franks
18.Tom Donnelly / Ross Kennedy
19.Luke Whitelock
20.Willi Heinz
21.Tyler Bleyendaal
22.Patrick Osborne
