Crusaders rotate their brothers
The Crusaders team that beat the Bulls in last weekend’s qualifier will get another chance to prove they are finals quality this Friday.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made just one change to his team to take on the Chiefs in the Super Rugby semifinal in Hamilton.
Ben Franks will start in the No.3 jersey this week and brother Owen will rotate to the bench
Kieran Read is still unavailable for selection this week as he is not fully recovered from the rib injury sustained last time the Crusaders played the Chiefs.
That means captain Richie McCaw will again play at No.8 and Matt Todd at seven.
The Crusaders have had a loss and a win to the Chiefs in the regular season this year.
The winner of this game will progress to the Final, against either the Stormers or the Sharks.
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 (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Sean Maitland.
Date: Friday, July 27
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant referees: Jonathan Kaplan, Keith Brown
TMO: Garratt Williamson
