The game of this coming weekend is the top of the New Zealand conference clash between the Crusaders and the Blues, and will most likely decide which team will finish the top New Zealand team. The Crusaders have announced their team for this huge game, with a few big name changes.
We reported earlier in the week that Richie McCaw has been ruled out, and he will be replaced by Matt Todd, a very capable and impressive backup. The good news is that Sam Whitelock returns to the second row, as well as Andy Ellis who takes the scrumhalf jersey.
This means a bench spot for Willie Heinz, but Chris Jack falls out of the match 22 altogether as Luke Romano is kept on the wood as lock backup. Ina front row change, the Franks brothers will start on either side of Flynn with Wyatt Crockett expected to come on later in the game.
Crusaders: 1. Ben Franks , 2. Corey Flynn , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Brad Thorn , 5. Sam Whitelock , 6. George Whitelock , 7. Matt Todd , 8. Kieran Read (c) , 9. Andy Ellis , 10. Dan Carter , 11. Zac Guildford , 12. Sonny Bill Williams , 13. Robbie Fruean , 14. Brent Ward , 15. Tom Marshall
Substitutes: 16. Quentin MacDonald , 17. Wyatt Crockett , 18. Luke Romano , 19. Jonathan Poff , 20. Willi Heinz , 21. Matt Berquist , 22. Ryan Crotty
Good team, and as they are playing at home, my money is on them.
Crusaders will win the Cup..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 2) : I’m not so sure, I think it will depend where they play. In NZ – Yes, somewhere else – No.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 2) : It`s theirs to lose . . .