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McCaw at number eight for Crusaders

2012-05-17 07:37:02

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s clash with the Blues in Christchurch

Richie McCaw: Moves to the base of the scrum

Captain Richie McCaw will start at number eight but most of the changes are amongst the backs, including a return to fly-half for Dan Carter.

Fellow All Blacks Israel Dagg and Andy Ellis - who were on the replacements bench in last week’s 28-19 loss to the Rebels in Melbourne - are back at full-back and scrum-half respectively.

Adam Whitelock comes in for Sean Maitland on the right wing while Carter’s return to to his preferred position means Ryan Crotty takes over at inside centre.

McCaw’s move to the base of the scrum came due to injuries to Luke Whitelock, who sustained a minor head knock, and Kieran Read who is still recovering from a heavy fall onto his pelvis.

Tom Taylor is also unavailable for selection this week after a minor quadriceps strain.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Richie McCaw (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Brendon O’Connor, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Tom Marshall.

Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 (08:35 GMT)