Planet Rugby reports All Black captain Richie McCaw will return to the sideline after more trouble with his dodgy foot.
The Crusaders have made several changes to their XV for their clash with the Highlanders at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.
Richie McCaw, who made his Super Rugby return last Friday against the Chiefs off the bench, has been ruled out with a bruised foot.
McCaw trained on Monday but suffered soreness in his right foot overnight – the same foot in which a screw was inserted following his stress fracture pre-season. Scans have ruled out any new bone damage though.
“The right thing to do is to rest Richie at this stage. It’s not a serious problem. A week away from playing will do him good and we’ll monitor him next week,” said Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.
In the front row, Wyatt Crockett replaces Ben Franks at loosehead prop and Quentin MacDonald comes in for Corey Flynn at hooker.
Joe Wheeler gets his first game time of the season following a shoulder reconstruction last year starting at number eight, replacing Kieran Read.
Read, who has captained the team in every game this season, is left out of the matchday 22.
Andy Ellis swops places with Kahn Fotuali’i at scrum-half as well taking over the captaincy duties.
Adam Whitelock and Tom Marshall replace Sonny Bill Williams at inside centre and right wing Sean Maitland respectively, with the latter duo dropping to the bench.
Matt Berquist retains his spot at fly-half ahead of Dan Carter, who is still recovering from a hamstring problem.
“The guys being rested have had a tough workload already this season and we have a lot of faith in the players coming in. It’s a great opportunity for them,” added Blackadder.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Andy Ellis (c), 8 Joe Wheeler, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements:16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21.Sonny Bill Williams, 22 Sean Maitland.
Wish we played against this team …
Highlander might be in for a shot here!
This Crusaders team is still very strong, and will remain unbeaten at ‘home’ this season..
@Pokkel (Comment 2) : I agree. This is exactly what the rest of the Super 15 sides need.
Go Landers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : BUT is there is any chance of the Highlanders being in the lead around the 60min mark then the Saders bench will be cleared and the Saders will win.
Hope the Crusaders lose this one
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 6) : You and the supporters of 14 other Super Rugby teams.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 7) : I need them to win for my FL though