McCaw gets no guarantees
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Todd Blackadder has made no guarantees that Richie McCaw will be handed the No.7 jersey on his expected return against the Brumbies this weekend.
Blackadder confirmed McCaw, alongside Kieran Read (concussion) and Luke Romano (calf), should be available for the Crusaders clash against the Brumbies on Saturday.
But McCaw will have to fight current Crusaders' openside Matt Todd for his starting position.
Although Todd may lack the experience of 122 test appearances, his performance's since McCaw's thumb injury in round three against the Blues, could force Blackadder to shift McCaw to the blindside role.
He may even decide to ease him off the bench as an impact player.
"It's something we will certainly consider," Blackadder told Fairfax Media NZ.
"With Matt Todd playing so well, that's a possibility. It's going to be about making sure we have got the right balance."
Blackadder's go-to man during McCaw's previous injuries and sabbatical, Todd has impressed in the eight weeks he has held the No. 7 jersey, with his ball carrying ability, support play, and his strength around the ruck mounting pressure on McCaw for his return.
"I think Matt Todd is probably more of a genuine No. 7, Richie is more of an option [at blindside flanker] and is a guy who can probably play that other type of role," Blackadder said.
If McCaw is placed in the reserves he could be used as cover for all three loose forwards positions.
Captain Read looks guaranteed the No. 8 jersey if fully recovered from his head knock, Jordan Taufua is likely to be preferred ahead of George and Luke Whitelock in the blindside position.
Fairfax NZ
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