McCaw to start for 'Saders

Editor

All Black captain Richie McCaw will make his first start for the Crusaders this year when he runs on against the Waratahs in the Rotomahana Challenge on Thursday.

All Black captain Richie McCaw will make his first start for the Crusaders this year when he runs on against the Waratahs in the Rotomahana Challenge on Thursday.

Coach Robbie Deans, much like his Waratahs counterpart Ewen McKenzie, has fielded his strongest available team, which will feature five World Cup All Blacks – McCaw, Daniel Carter (who returns from injury), Leon MacDonald, Ali Williams and Greg Somerville – for the final Super 14 warm-up match for both teams.

Hooker Corey Flynn, who captained the Crusaders for the opening seven rounds of last year's Super 14 campaign, will also make his return to the squad albeit it on the bench.

The Crusaders, like the Waratahs have got their pre-season preparations off to a fantastic start with emphatic wins against the Hurricanes and the Western Force, which means the Challenge could be a mouthwatering affair indeed.

Tasman halfback Kahn Fotuali'i will start at scrumhalf in the absence of injured World Cup All Black Andrew Ellis.

However, all eyes will be on the pairing of Carter at pivot alongside Stephen Brett, who starts the match at inside centre.

The match presents one final opportunity for Deans to oil his 'red-and-black machine' before the eagerly anticipated clash against the Brumbies in Christchurch next week.

Deans had also indicated that he would use all his available replacements for the match against the 'Tahs.

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Stephen Brett, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richard McCaw, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks
Replacements (from): Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Steve Alfeld, Hamish Gard, Sean Maitland, Tim Bateman, George Whitelock, Campbell Johnstone

Date: Thursday, 7 February
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
Kick-off: 19.40 (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Brett Bowden
Touch judges: Stuart Dickinson, Dan Cheever