24 Feb 2010

McCaw returns to Crusaders

7:13 pm on 24 February 2010

The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has returned a week earlier than planned to the Crusaders for Friday night's match against the South African side the Sharks, in Christchurch.

McCaw's been named in the reserves while All Black lock Brad Thorn comes into the starting lineup after last week's surprise loss to the Queensland Reds.

McCaw was due to return to the squad for next week's match against the Blues, having been extra time off to recuperate from the international season.

Prop Wyatt Crockett also returns to the starting lineup, with Owen Franks and Colin Slade dropped to the reserves.

Lock Isaac Ross is out with an ankle injury.