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McCaw back to face Sharks

By Online Editors
Thursday 24 Jul 2014

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wasted no time in recalling All Black captain Richie McCaw ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal showdown with the Sharks on Saturday.

Blackadder made two changes to the starting fifteen that beat the Highlanders two weeks ago, for this week's Christchurch encounter.

McCaw has recovered from injury to return to the line-up and will play at No.6 on Saturday.

That sees Jordan Taufua move to the bench, with the in-form Matt Todd retaining the No.7 jersey.

The All Blacks captain missed the end of the regular season after breaking a rib playing against England in June and returns to reinforce the seven-time champions as they bid to reach an 11th Final.

Corey Flynn will take the starting hooker spot for his 150th Crusaders game, with Ben Funnell providing back-up from the bench.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter again starts in an unfamiliar position, again lining up at inside centre outside Colin Slade – as he continues his return from a six-month sabbatical.

The Crusaders qualified for this semifinal at home by finishing the regular season at second on the points table, while the Sharks beat the Highlanders in a quarterfinal last weekend to qualify.

The Crusaders will be looking to avenge their 25-30-25 home defeat to the Sharks earlier in the season.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Kieron Fonotia, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Richie McCaw, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Johnny McNicholl.

Date: Saturday, July 26

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 09.35 SA time; 17.35 AEST)

Referee: Glen Jackson

Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann, Mike Fraser

TMO: Ben Skeen

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