Rugby
McCaw rested against Cheetahs─── 08:29 Thu, 19 Mar 2015
The Crusaders have opted to rest Richie McCaw for their Super Rugby match against the Toyota Cheetahs in Christchurch.
Matt Todd will replace McCaw at flank in the run-on team, while Codie Taylor has replaced Ben Funnell at hooker.
Israel Dagg returns from injury to replace Tom Taylor at fullback and Kieron Fonotia moves on to the wing in place of Johnny McNicholl who was ruled out with a knee injury.
Dan Carter retains his place int he start line-up at inside centre, with Colin Slade starting at flyhalf.
The Cheetahs in their turn made made four changes to their team for Saturdays' Super Rugby match against the Crusaders in Chirstchurch
Springbok flank Heinrich Brüssow gets a starting role for the match, while Boom Prinsloo drops to the bench.
The side sees the halfback pairing of Joe Pietersen and Tian Meyer getting a run again after Pietersen recovered from a cold and with Sarel Pretorius not traveling with the side.
Utility back, Clayton Blommeties will start on the right wing with Springbok speedster, Cornal Hendricks being rested.
Saders Lock Luke Romano has welcomed the physical challenge South African team bring to the competition.
Saturday morning’s match at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch kicks off at 8:35.
Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Clayton Blommetjies, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jean Cook, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Francois Uys (Captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Danie Mienie.
Replacements - 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 BG Uys, 18 Maks van Dyk, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Boom Prinsloo, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Willie du Plessis, 23 Rayno Benjamin.
Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Kieron Fonotia, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Salde, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieron Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufau, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements – 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 David Havili.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
Luke Romano speaks of the physical South African teams:
