Super Rugby
McCaw shunted over to blindside on return from injury
ESPN Staff
July 20, 2014
McCaw has missed most of the season through injury but should be fit to return against the Sharks © Getty Images
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Richie McCaw is expected to make his return to the Crusaders line-up to face the Sharks in Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final, but not in his preferred position.

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder looks certain to retain youngster Matt Todd in the No.7 jersey, with McCaw being moved to the blindside flank.

McCaw is still considered among the very best opensides in the world, but Todd has been the form flanker in New Zealand this season and Blackadder is loathe to disrupt the 26-year-old's game.

With McCaw deemed the more adaptable of the two, he is likely to be moved to the blindside berth when the Sharks visit Christchurch next weekend.

McCaw has not played since breaking his rib during the Test series against England in June and has made only limited Super Rugby appearances this season after breaking his thumb in March, before returning in May to prove his fitness for the June Tests.

Blackadder however, will be troubled with moving McCaw into the line-up at the expense of 22-year-old Jordan Taufua, who has been one of the Crusaders' most consistent players this season.

Blackadder is also set to continue playing Dan Carter at inside centre rather than his preferred fly-half position, with the coach remaining loyal to Colin Slade who has been a fixture at No.10 all year as Carter took a sabbatical from the game.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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