4 Mar 2010

Flynn returns for Crusaders

7:08 pm on 4 March 2010

The Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn is set to make his Super 14 rugby debut of the year, having been given the medical all clear for Saturday's night's match against the Blues in Christchurch.

Flynn had been bracketed with Quentin MacDonald on the substitutes' bench but was cleared for the match after training today.

He hasn't played in the opening three rounds after suffering an ankle injury in a pre-season match against the Blues.

Another returning from an ankle injury is lock Isaac Ross, missed last weekend's win over the Sharks.

Richie McCaw will captain the team after coming off the bench last week.

He will start at blindside flanker with George Whitelock remaining at openside and Kieran Read moving to number eight in place of the injured Thomas Waldrom.

Prop Owen Franks comes in at tighthead prop, replacing his brother, Ben, who has a minor knee injury.