Good news in Sader country

Matt Todd's fast recovery from a serious chest injury could impact on Richie McCaw's desire to own the Crusaders' No 7 jersey.

With Todd initially not expected to be available until around late March McCaw was tipped to be an automatic starter at openside flanker for the Crusaders' opener, against the Chiefs on February 21.

But Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has revealed Todd has made such a quick recovery from the pectoral muscle he tore last September that he could start in the first pre-season game against the Highlanders in Motueka on February 7.

Todd is now a real chance to play the defending Super Rugby champions in Christchurch.

This means Blackadder must consider whether he should switch McCaw, one of New Zealand's greatest players who has amassed 124 test caps, to No 6 to accommodate a player who has made just two test appearances.

Yesterday McCaw, who last season made only two brief appearances as a replacement and hasn't started at openside flanker for the Crusaders since July 2012, made it clear what position he preferred.

"Probably 7," McCaw, 33, said when asked where he wanted to start.

"But with Matt Todd coming back with injury ... Hopefully I will be playing 7 but if there other reasons to play elsewhere then I will do that."

In the past, when there had been debate about whether McCaw should be shifted to another loose forward position, All Blacks Steve Hansen cut the discussions short by stating McCaw's best spot is at openside.

It seems logical that Hansen would prefer McCaw to operate at No 7 for the Crusaders ahead of the June series against England.

"To be honest that is my best position," McCaw said. "If I can play there, that is where I intend to play. And I think Toddy realises that. But if someone is injured and there is a need [to change] then Matt goes pretty well there too."

McCaw only returned to training on Monday but Blackadder, who is desperate to make a fast start this season, expects him to be available for the Chiefs match.

Injuries and an extended summer breaks mean McCaw hasn't been sighted in a season opener since 2009.

Blackadder maintained he was keeping an open mind about his back row selections.

"I will look at all options. I see Richie has being a 6 as well."

One thing is certain, if all his loosies are fit and available there is no shortage of options.

Todd, a regular starter at No 7 for the past three seasons (in 2011 and 2012 he played at openside flanker 34 times while McCaw, mainly because of a foot injury, appeared there on just 8 occasions) may prove a sentimental selection favourite for Blackadder.

 Crus

Time for a bit of enlightenment.   McCaw after his return from his sabbatical was not up to the standards he set in the past and clearly is NOT the player he was.  As an ardent admirer of him in the past - I would not like to see him humiliated - so he should retire before it happens.

As a supporter of SA teams - I really hope he stays around.  That would help any SA team playing the Crusaders or New Zealand.  

Now for the Crusader team you quoted - quite a good one bar -

*   The hooker is poor;

*   The props are average - not really the best around;

*   The locks just about par - Whitelock is the best lock in New Zealand - but he is just slightly above  average

*   I rate Todd and Read highly - two of the best around.

*   The weakest backline the Crusaders have had for years - and Dagg was not up to standard in Super 15 last year - will he be such this year?  The only backline player I like there is Taylor.

I think that team will not be very successful - have you no better in Crusader country at all - the Sharks will laugh themselves silly when they see that combination. 

Not a n overload of Crusaders in my fantasy selections this year - maybe Todd and Read.