BACK: All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has been named to return from injury in the Crusaders starting lineup for their Super Rugby semifinal against the Sharks
Richie McCaw has been named at blindside flanker and Corey Flynn will start his 150th Super Rugby match when the Crusaders meet the Sharks in Saturday night’s semifinal in Christchurch.
All Blacks captain McCaw, who hasn’t played since carrying a fractured rib into the third test against England on 21 June, has predictably been named at blindside flanker to allow the in-form Matt Todd to start in his specialist openside flanker role.
Flynn has been elevated ahead of Ben Funnell, who started the previous two matches against the Highlanders and Blues, in the only other change to the run-on side that thumped the Highlanders 34-8 at AMI Stadium on 12 July.
Although it appears the decision to start Flynn, in what could be his final match in New Zealand before he leaves to play in France, may be for sentimental reasons the veteran rake will provide a mountain of experience in the fierce forward battles against the Sharks.
The return of McCaw means Jordan Taufua has been relegated into the reserves.
The Crusaders have been tagged as favourites ahead of the semi and the inclusion of No 8 and skipper Kieran Read, fullback Israel Dagg and second five-eighth Dan Carter – all missed the previous 30-25 loss to the Sharks in late May for various reasons – justifies that label.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, who has always taken the side into the play-offs since being appointed in 2009 but has never claimed a title, remains cautious.
“The Sharks have shown this season that they are an extremely classy outfit and a very difficult team to beat. This is our biggest challenge yet, but we feel ready for it.”
“It is going to be awesome to play in front of a home crowd for this semi-final on Saturday night and the roar of the crowd may just be the extra boost that gets us across the line.”
The listing of Carter at No 12 is no surprise.
Blackadder wouldn’t have wanted to change his backline, given the way Carter went about his defensive work against the Highlanders in the final round-robin match.
Playmaker Colin Slade’s form – apart from the glitch against the Hurricanes in the 16-9 loss on June 28 – has been instrumental in the Crusaders charging into the play-offs and he will hope a polished performance can persuade Steve Hansen to include him in his All Blacks squad on Monday.