Israel Dagg: To wear number 11
All Blacks full-back Israel Dagg has been named on the wing for the Crusaders opening Super Rugby clash with the Blues on Friday.
The absence of specialist wingers Zac Guildford (undergoing a rehabilitation programme for alcohol issues) and Johnny McNicholl (back injury) has led to Dagg going to the left wing, with the versatile Tom Taylor at full-back.
The rest of the starting XV has a settled look about it, while Joe Moody and Dominic Bird are poised to make their Super Rugby debuts off the bench.
Kieran Read is the captain in the absence of Richie McCaw, while Robbie Fruean will play his 50th game for the side.
The Crusaders had a bye last weekend and the seven-time champions will start their campaign for the third successive year against the Blues at Eden Park, with the score at 1-1.
Six of the last seven matches between the two teams since 2008 have gone to the Crusaders, who embarrassed the Blues with a record 59-12 win in Christchurch last year.
However, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder was impressed with the Blues' opening-round win against the more favoured Hurricanes last weekend.
"They have a lot of firepower and you can see their passion," he said.
"Their support play was outstanding, but we know what we have to do.
"We're confident of putting our best foot forward and I know the effort will be huge from both sides."
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Tom Marshall.
Date: Friday, March 1
Venue: Eden Park
Kick-off: 19.30 (06:30 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jonathon White (New Zealand), Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
Comments
kpe12 says...
Dagg I hope like Cory Jane blossoms on the wing.
He is far from the best 15 in the world (and I'm Cantabrian). His decision making is often poor and he is only barely above average under the high ball. I'd rather have rock solid under the high ball and more security in the back personally.
Posted 23:51 27th February 2013
Capedcrusader says...
Its been done out of necessity. With McNicholl injured & Maitland gone what choice do we have. Putting Taylor on the wing wouldn't work & given Dagg played 11 in the WC it was a no brainer. Our previous embarrassment of riches have come back to bite us with the likes of Poki for example moving to get game time.
Not sure how you come to the opinion that our 5 time ITM cup winning captain limits us Isograford?? He has been guilty of foul play so that would be the only minute concern. Adam Whitelock kept out Maitland post injury when he took his chance albeit we are now in a new season and he is way down the pecking order in terms of NZ wingers. His preferred position however is at centre so again a no brainer for him to start.
Posted 13:34 27th February 2013
passtheball says...
Crusaders are now seriously short of top talent out wide with Zac, Maitland, Osborne and the other Marshall not available for various reasons. Don't think Blackadder had much choice over Dagg? Still this will be a cracking game and a good guide to the prospects of both teams.
Posted 12:46 27th February 2013
ferdie says...
whatisthis - make that 5 - I understand Mrs Whitelock has done some nice baking and cups of tea for half-time! Are there more of them?
I'm with you - family/club stuff is great. For Taranaki now there are ITM players Beauden Barrett for Hurricanes, his younger brother Kane with Blues, and their dad Kevin was a Hurricanes/Taranaki player too.
As for Dagg - prefer to see him at 15; but he'll still be a handy winger.
Posted 11:44 27th February 2013
whatisthis says...
4 whitelocks. love seeing one club players, let alone whole families...
Posted 10:19 27th February 2013
JayStarr says...
Why on earth would you want to play the world's best 15 on the wing ? Is he going to play Kieran Read at lock next week? I hate it when coaches do this... But carry on Todd, the Stormers are playing you in a couple of weeks' time - I'd be more than happy if Dagg is on the wing then!
Posted 10:09 27th February 2013
JayStarr says...
Why on earth would you want to play the world's best 15 on the wing ? Is he going to play Kieran Read at lock next week? I hate it when coaches do this... But carry on Todd, the Stormers are playing you in a couple of weeks' time - I'd be more than happy if Dagg is on the wing then!
Posted 10:06 27th February 2013
Isograford says...
The best 15 in World Rugby on the Wing, the seriously limited Adam and George Whitelock in the starting XV as well as Flynn. Looks like Blackadder is expecting things to change by doing the exact same things as last year.
Posted 07:56 27th February 2013