6 May 2015

McCaw named on the bench

2:53 pm on 6 May 2015

The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been named on the bench for the Crusaders Super Rugby game with the Queensland Reds in Christchurch on Friday night.

McCaw wasn't considered for last weekend's game against the Hurricanes after he was knocked out the previous week against the Blues.

Coach Todd Blackadder has stuck with the same loose trio as last week, with Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd and Kieran Read starting.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw lies unconscious after a heavy tackle, while playing for the Crusaders against the Blues.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw lies unconscious after a heavy tackle, while playing for the Crusaders against the Blues. Photo: Photosport

Blackadder has made 3 changes to the starting line-up and a new face enters the reserves.

Prop Nepo Laulala will pack down in the front row with Codie Taylor and Wyatt Crockett this week. Alex Hodgman and Joe Moody will provide prop cover from the reserves.

Dominic Bird pairs up with Sam Whitelock at lock, and Nafi Tuitavake will play on the right wing.

In the reserves outside back Jone Macilai will play his first Super Rugby game since breaking his arm in the pre-season.

The match is the last guaranteed home game for the Crusaders this season.

Christchurch fans will be asked to stick around after the match to pay tribute to five special Crusaders and to thank them for their contribution to the team. Tom Taylor, Colin Slade, Dan Carter and Willi Heinz have all announced that they will be heading offshore after this season, and Richie McCaw has also indicated that it could be his final season, which means it could be the last chance for Christchurch fans to see them in action for the Crusaders.

A video tribute to those Crusaders will play on the big screen and this week's match programme will be a special souvenir edition.

Crusaders team to play the Reds:

1 Wyatt Crockett

2 Codie Taylor

3 Nepo Laulala

4 Dominic Bird

5 Sam Whitelock

6 Jordan Taufua

7 Matt Todd

8 Kieran Read (c)

9 Andy Ellis

10 Colin Slade

11 Nemani Nadolo

12 Dan Carter

13 Ryan Crotty

14 Nafi Tuitavake

15 Tom Taylor

reserves.

16 Ben Funnell

17 Alex Hodgman

18 Joe Moody

19 Jimmy Tupou

20 Richie McCaw

21 Mitchell Drummond

22 Kieron Fonotia

23 Jone Macilai

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