Lock Chris Jack will play his 100th game for the Crusaders when he takes the field in the Super Rugby match against the Brumbies at Trafalgar Park, Nelson, on Friday.
Jack, who plays his provincial rugby for Tasman, made his debut for the Crusaders 12 years ago and will start in the number four jersey, replacing Brad Thorn.
Jack joins a special club of six players who have played more than 100 games for the Crusaders. Along with Richie McCaw, who hit the milestone last season, it includes Caleb Ralph, Leon MacDonald, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne and Justin Marshall.
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder paid tribute to Jack ‘s achievement, saying: “Chris has been a tireless worker for the Crusaders over the years and thoroughly deserves recognition for achieving this milestone.”
Chris Jack returned to the Crusaders for the 2010 season after playing for Saracens in England and Western Province in South Africa. He ended his All Black career in 2007 as the country ‘s second most capped lock, with only Ian Jones (79 Tests) ahead of him.
In the only other change to the team which beat the Waratahs in Nelson last weekend, another Tasman player, Ben Franks, replaces his brother Owen at tighthead prop.
Ben celebrated 50 games for the Crusaders against the Waratahs when coming on as a reserve.
Match: Crusaders v Brumbies
Date: Friday 11 March
Venue: Nelson
Kick Off local: 19:35
Kick Off GMT: 6:35
Referee: Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 1: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2: Vinny Munro
TMO: Kane McBride
Crusaders:
1. Wyatt Crockett ,2. Corey Flynn ,3. Ben Franks ,4. Chris Jack ,5. Sam Whitelock,6. George Whitelock ,7. Matt Todd ,8. Kieran Read (Capt),9. Andy Ellis ,10. Daniel Carter ,11. Adam Whitelock,12. Sonny Bill Williams,13. Robbie Fruean,14. Sean Maitland,15. Israel Dagg
Replacements: 16. Quentin MacDonald,17. Owen Franks,18. Brad Thorn,19. Jonathan Poff,20. Willi Heinz,21. Matt Berquist,22. Tom Marshall