Update: 5:38PM DAN Carter is back at first five-eighth and the Wyatt Crockett has been “rotated” to the bench for the Crusaders’ Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the side that beat the Cheetahs 57-14 in Christchurch last weekend.
Joe Moody replaces Crockett – who this week has been heavily criticised by former test referee Jonathan Kaplan and ex-All Blacks coach John Mitchell for the way he engages opposition tightheads – and hooker Ben Funnell comes in for Codie Taylor.
The return of Funnell was always predicted, given that Blackadder said the decision to demote him to the bench against the Cheetahs was because he wanted him to freshen-up for the South African trip.
A press release noted that Crockett had been “rotated” to the bench for this match against the Bulls.
Given the way he had performed so strongly against the Cheetahs and Lions scrums over the last two rounds, Crockett’s switch to the bench is a surprise.
Richie McCaw, who was rested last weekend, returns to start at openside flanker in place of Matt Todd who has named on the bench. Jordan Taufua again starts at blindside flanker.
Carter’s move from second-five to first-five means Colin Slade is listed on the bench. Tom Taylor has been elevated to the midfield, alongside centre Ryan Crotty.
Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Mitchell Drummond, Colin Slade, David Havili.
