MARC HINTON
Dan Carter`s back at No 10, Richie McCaw slips on to the terrace and the Crusaders move an ominous step nearer to existence at full-strength for this initiative time this Super Rugby season.
That`s the result of the lineup named by coach Todd Blackadder to undertake the Chiefs in Mount Maunganui on Friday night, with the in-form seven-time champions sending out a formidable side.
There are three changes to the starting XV that crushed the Bulls 27-0 in Timaru last Saturday, with Carter back at No 10 after sitting out last weekend with a hamstring strain, Kahn Fotuali`i getting a deserved chance at halfback and standout loosehead Wyatt Crockett dropping to the judiciary in the weekly prop rotation.
Plus McCaw returns to sue for the start time this season following the stress fracture to his foot. He will see significant second-half time off the bench.
Carter`s return (for his 200th first-class game) means Matt Berquist drops to the bench after a tidy display against the Bulls, while Fotuali`s is worthy of his maiden commencement of the season regardless of Ellis` outstanding work in recent weeks.
With three such adept props Blkackadder has pretty much been rotating them through the two starting positiojns each week and Crockett takes his work for bench duty after being dubbed by his coach "the best loosehead in the world".
Owen Franks comes back at tighthead prop, with his brother Ben moving across to the loosehead side.
The Crusaders are travelling about as sweet as you can on the game of a five-game winning streak, but they`re preparing for a good challenge against a desperate Chiefs outfit.
"These derby matches are particularly significant in this season`s competition due to the conference format," said Blackadder. "Traditionally they always carry extra spice and it will be a tough, physical match up there.
"I was pleased with what we achieved against the Bulls in Timaru last weekend but we yet get enough to go on and I love the guys are looking ahead to doing that."
The only frontline Crusader still out with injury is All Black lock Sam Whitelock who`s expected to be a few weeks more getting over the ankle problem he picked up in London.
Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Kahn Fotuali`I; Kieran Read (capt), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Richie McCaw, Andy Ellis, Matt Berquist, Adam Whitelock.
- Stuff
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