Former Wallaby and Crusaders' captain Reuben Thorne recalled to Crusaders – Rugby news
Canterbury Crusaders will make a short trip to Australia before they will leave for the South Africa.
Crusaders will be playing their round 11, 12 and 13 matches against the Western Force, Stormers and Cheetahs respectively. They have announced their 25-member squad earlier today that marks the return of their most capped Reuben Thorne into the side.
36-year-old Reuben Thorne has made 129 appearances for the Crusaders during 1997-2008. Later he switched to Japanese Club Yamaha Jubilo and remained there until 2010. Former Wallaby Lock and Flanker is currently playing High School Old Boys rugby club before
being again recalled by Crusaders.
Crusaders are struggling with injury problems and in absence of their key players; they have lost their second match of the Super XV against the Highlanders during the last weekend. Crusaders with this lost has slipped to number four position from the second
position in the combined Super XV table.
Reuben Thorne has last played for the Crusaders during the 2008 super rugby championships final against the Waratahs. Reuben Thorne inclusion as forced one and he will join Crusaders squad as cover for injured Lock and Loose forward.
Crusaders will be without the services of their Scrum Half Andy Ellis, Number 8 Kieran Read and Lock Brad Thorn. Crusaders Number 8 Read will not take part in their game against the Western Force at Perth later during the weekend. However, he will travel
to South Africa and join the team in Cape Town. Crusaders will play with the Stormers at Cape Town on next weekend.
Scrum Half Andy Ellis and Lock Brad Thorn are set to miss the action during because of the injuries they sustained against the Highlanders on Saturday Night. Ellis dislocated and fractured his right thumb during the 23rd minute of the game. Reports suggest
that Ellis will take six to eight weeks to recover from the injuries.
Lock Brad Thorn left the field during the 28th minute of the game and has been diagnosed a mild calf tear. Injury has ruled him out of the action for next three to four weeks.
Kahn Fotuali’i and Luke Romana will replace both Any Ellis and Brad Thorn in the starting line-up while Reuben Thorne would start on the bench.
Also included in the squad are Dan Carter and however, it is still unclear whether both will play in the match against the Force at Perth. Crusaders need to fire quickly to retain their places in the top five in the Super XV.
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