Kieran Read will make his Crusaders comeback against the Highlanders in Wyatt Crockett’s 200th Super Rugby match tomorrow.
Read made his return from back surgery for a Counties Manukau side including amateurs and club players in a pre‑season clash last week and the New Zealand captain has been named in the champions’ starting line‑up to take on the Highlanders.
The number eight has been sidelined since December 2017.
Meanwhile Seta Tamanivalu has also been named to start for the Crusaders while lock Sam Whitelock comes into the side after captaining the All Blacks to a 3‑0 Test series whitewash of France.
Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson has recalled eight players who were on duty for the world champions against France, including the likes of Joe Moody, Scott Barrett and Owen Franks.
Prop Wyatt Crockett will start on the bench and is sure to receive a rousing ovation at AMI Stadium, which will be renamed Wyatt Crockett Stadium to mark the occasion.
Tomorrow, the eight time champions, the Crusaders will host the Highlanders at 7.35pm while the Reds will host the Rebels at 9.45pm.
The Chiefs will host the Brumbies at 5.15pm this Saturday the Hurricanes will face the Blues at 7.35pm while the Waratahs will host the Sunwolves at 9.45pm.
On Sunday, the Bulls will take on the Jaguares at 1.05am while the Stormers will take on the Sharks at 3.15am.
[Source: News Hub]
BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:
1. Joe Moody
2. Andrew Makalio
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Heiden Bedwell‑Curtis
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Kieran Read
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. George Bridge
12. Ryan Crotty (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. David Havili
16. Codie Taylor
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Quinten Strange
20. Jordan Taufua
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Manasa Mataele
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