Crusaders rotate squad

Tim Bateman will replace Stephen Brett's at inside centre for the Crusaders' match with the Waratahs.

Bateman replaces Brett at 12 for Friday's match against NSW

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has named Tim Bateman as Stephen Brett's replacement at inside centre in the team to play the Waratahs in their Super 14 match at AMI Stadium on Friday. Brett injured an AC shoulder joint against the Cheetahs last Saturday and will be out of action for four to six weeks. In a late change to the team, full-back Leon MacDonald has also been ruled out on medical advice and Scott Hamilton has reverted from wing to cover at number 15 with veteran Caleb Ralph taking his place on the wing. Bateman, 21, and Ralph are two of eight changes to the Crusaders starting line-up which outran the pedestrian Cheetahs 55-7 in Christchurch last Saturday. The only other back-line change is on the wing where exciting 20-year-old Kade Poki has recovered from his hamstring injury to take the place of Sean Maitland.

Depth

Deans has gone for a full strength pack and brought back five of his forwards who were rested completely or given some second-half game time against the Cheetahs. Number eight Mose Tuiali'i, flanker Kieran Read, lock Ali Williams, prop Greg Somerville, and hooker Corey Flynn take the place of Nasi Manu, Reuben Thorne, Michael Paterson, Wyatt Crockett, and Ti'i Paulo respectively. Deans said the selection of Bateman, who played three times for the Crusaders last year and as a replacement against the Brumbies in the first match this season, was "not a difficult choice". While Bateman played most of age-group rugby at outside centre, Deans said he was well-equipped for the number twelve slot. "The skill sets are pretty consistent and to be frank I think he looks more comfortable at 12 than at 13 at this level," said Deans.

Diversity

Deans is aware of the firepower in the Waratahs, who are the only team to have beaten the Crusaders this year, winning the pre-season Rotomahana Challenge match in Sydney, 24-14. "Last weekend was a good performance against the Cheetahs, but on Friday night we'll be playing a side that will offer more diversity in attack and will compete with us for the full 80 minutes," he added. The Crusaders have fashioned an impressive record against the Waratahs, however, winning nine of their 13 encounters including the last four. Crusaders: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Caleb Ralph, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Hamish Gard, 22 Sean Maitland.