Crusaders change two for the Sharks
There are two changes to the Crusaders team to play the Sharks in the historic Super Rugby match at Twickenham on Sunday.
Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett replaces Ben Franks and left wing Zac Guildford comes in for Adam Whitelock.
Guildford came off the substitutes bench in the second half against the Highlanders at Carisbrook last weekend, following a hamstring injury which had kept him out of rugby until that point.
Crusaders flyhalf five Dan Carter is expecting a physical encounter against the Sharks on Sunday.
“They are a team full of big, fast men and it will be a very tough match,” Carter said.
“They have strengths across the park but we’ve prepared well for them. We are all looking forward to playing at Twickenham – it’s easy to get excited about this one.”
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said: “We have trained well here in London all week and now we want to replicate that against the Sharks at Twickenham on Sunday.
“It will be a big test for us, but I’m confident we can put in a performance to be proud of. We’re looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd – the atmosphere and sense of occasion should be superb.”
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Adam Whitelock.
Date: Sunday, March 27
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 16.00 (16.00 GMT, 17.00 SA time)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Dave Pearson (England)
