Guildford set for Crusaders comeback
Zac Guildford will make his Super Rugby return for the Crusaders against newcomers the Southern Kings at AMI Stadium on Saturday.
Guildford has reinstated to professional rugby by the News Zealand Rugby Union in a recent misconduct hearing after he withdrew from the Crusaders in January following his reported involvement in a brawl at a party.
The All Black wing has been named on the bench which includes Codie Taylor, who will make his first Crusaders debut if called upon.
Head coach Todd Blackadder has made two changes to the team that started against the Bulls last weekend.
Willi Heinz takes the No.9 jersey while Luke Romano returns from injury, moving Andy Ellis and Dominic Bird respectively to the bench.
While the Kings are new to the Investec Super Rugby tournament, their coach Matt Sexton is no stranger to the Crusaders and he will be out to show his old teammates what his South African team are made of.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Zac Guildford.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 SA time; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Rohan Hoffman (Australia)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
