Crusaders v Hurricanes: Teams
Ryan Crotty comes into the Crusaders starting line-up for Saturday's derby clash with the Hurricanes, who are unchanged.
Last Updated: 17/06/11 11:40am
The Crusaders have made one injury enforced change to their starting line-up for Saturday's derby clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington.
All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams is unavailable due to bruising and a tear to his hip area suffered in last weekend's victory over the Blues in Timaru and has been replaced by Ryan Crotty.
Tu Umaga-Marshall is on the reserves bench as outside backs cover.
Two players returning from long-term injury in that match, lock Sam Whitelock and halfback Andy Ellis, came through the game fine following their respective ankle and thumb problems.
"Our performance will be critical for us in this match," said Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.
"We were happy with the victory over the Blues last weekend but didn't finish off a few opportunities and we'll be looking to put that right against the Hurricanes."
This is technically a Crusaders home game due to the cancellation of the Round Two match between these sides.
Results from this match and others will determine where and when the Crusaders play next. They can finish at best second and at worst sixth on the overall log.
Not considered due to injury were Williams (hip), Richie McCaw (foot), Israel Dagg (thigh), Sean Maitland (foot), Kahn Fotuali'i (knee) and Adam Whitelock (chest muscle).
Unchanged
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has named an unchanged starting line-up for the clash.
The Hurricanes farewell at least four senior players in the New Zealand capital, with Ma'a Nonu and front rowers Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata and John Schwalger all confirmed to be playing their last games.
The four bring a total of 389 combined Hurricanes caps to Westpac Stadium for the last time - Nonu, Hore and most recently Tialata having reached the 100-game milestone for the Hurricanes this season.
Jeremy Thrush will make his 50th appearance for the franchise this weekend, after making his debut for the Hurricanes back in 2008 against the Waratahs.
Laurence Corlett, 31, could make his Hurricanes and Super Rugby debut after he has named on the bench.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Brent Ward, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Tu Umaga-Marshall.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Laurence Corlett, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Mark Reddish, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Jayden Hayward, 22 Richard Buckman.
