Super Rugby
McCaw and Carter back in action
ESPNscrum Staff
May 12, 2011
Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw, Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby, Baypark Stadium, Tauranga, New Zealand, April 15, 2011
Richie McCaw replaces Matt Todd in the back-row © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Dan Carter | Richie McCaw
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Dan Carter and Richie McCaw will make their comebacks from injury in the Crusaders' Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs this weekend.

Carter, who has been sidelined since his side's win over the Sharks in London on March 27, joins McCaw, who sat out last week's win over the Stormers with concussion, in a starting XV that features six personnel changes from the side that won at Newlands.

Carter usurps Matt Berquist in the No.10 jersey, while Matt Todd, who stepped in for McCaw after the All Blacks captain was forced to withdraw from last week's game, moves to the bench to accommodate his return.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks returns to the front-row after recovering from a lower back complaint, with Wyatt Crockett among the replacements after his Man of the Match effort last weekend.

Centre Ryan Crotty, summoned from New Zealand after the Crusaders suffered four backline injuries in the first-half last week, slots in outside Sonny Bill Williams, forcing Robbie Fruean out to the right wing to cover the absence of Sean Maitland.

Third-string halfback Willi Heinz starts in place of the injured Kahn Fotuali'i while Tasman utility back Tom Marshall fills in at fullback for Israel Dagg. Veteran Auckland fullback Brent Ward joins halfback Steve Alfred on the reserves bench. All Blacks Andy Ellis (thumb), Brad Thorn (calf) and Sam Whitelock (ankle) were not considered for selection.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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