Super Rugby
Richie McCaw makes his return for Crusaders
February 12, 2014
Richie McCaw will take the field for the first time this season against the Hurricanes © Getty Images
Enlarge

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will hit the rugby field for the first time this year, named on the Crusaders bench for a Super Rugby warm-up against the Hurricanes on Friday in Levin.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named a 26-man team, which will again be captained by centre Ryan Crotty. Three players will take the field for the first time this season - Luke Whitelock at No.8, Johnny McNicholl on the wing and 33-year-old McCaw from the reserves.

Fellow All Black Matt Todd will start at No.7. Blackadder says No.8 Kieran Read will be available for the Crusaders' round two game against the Blues in Auckland.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Ryan Crotty (c), Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Colin Slade, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crocket. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Andy Ellis, Tyler Bleyendaal, Rob Thompson, Zac Guildford, Reynold Lee-Lo, Jordan Taufua.

© AAP

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices