Wyatt Crockett comes in to take the number 1 jersey
Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has made two changes in the forwards and one in the backs for his team to play the Bulls in the 2012 Super Rugby qualifier match this Saturday.
Wyatt Crockett will wear the number one jersey and Ben Franks will move to the bench. Locks Sam Whitelock and Tom Donnelly also switch positions from last week’s game, with Whitelock coming into the starting fifteen at number five and Donnelly taking a place on the bench.
Adam Whitelock moves back to the wing this week, vacating the outside centre position for Robbie Fruean. Sean Maitland will provide cover from the bench.
The winner from this game will progress to the semi-finals, playing either the Chiefs or the Stormers depending on the result from the other qualifier match. But Blackadder said it is about more than that for Crusaders fans.
“This is obviously our most important match yet this season. But it’s not just about the footy this weekend. This is about Crusaders fans getting another opportunity to come together and show that our spirit is still strong after all that has happened to us.
“We are so grateful to our supporters for helping us get as far as we have this season. Just by being at the stadium for the Bulls game, they will be helping us towards another win,” Blackadder said.
“So please join the Crusaders at home this Saturday night – it’s going to be something special.”
Crusaders v The Bulls
Saturday, 21 July 2012 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 08:35 BST
Starting XV:
15. Israel Dagg, 14. Adam Whitelock, 13. Robbie Fruean, 12. Ryan Crotty, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Richie McCaw [C]
Replacements:
16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Tom Donnelly, 19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Sean Maitland