Kieran Read recovers to play against the Highlanders - Rugby News Update
The All Blacks' No. 8, Kieran Read, will make his return for the Crusaders, although the skipper will still be Richie McCaw.
The refreshed Crusaders will take on the Highlanders in a high-priority match in the Super Rugby tournament.
The Crusaders' flanker recovered from a badly battered pelvic bone, as he was dropped from height in a lineout during the loss to the Rebels in Melbourne three weeks ago.
The 26-year-old read is preparing to start with his skipper Richie McCaw for the first time this season. McCaw’s entry was delayed this season because he had a foot problem which meant the player only came off the bench as a replacement.
Read will take Mccaws place at the back of the scrum and the skipper McCaw will be moved to openside flanker. If their combination goes according to plan, it would mean trouble for the inform Highlanders.
The Crusaders got hammered by the Blues 59-12 on May 19, but since Read is now running at full pace, they could come back into form very soon.
''It was a good time to get it fully recovered. It (the bruised hip) is still padded up and hopefully I will not get too many shots. We will wait and see on Friday,'' Read said.
Read explained how the match against the Highlanders was crucial for his club and it was very important for him to play.
"It's no secret the way they play and how they attack teams. We took a step forward at our last outing and there can be no backward steps now," He said.
"It's an exciting challenge and obviously a make or break time for both teams heading into the bye period.''
Crusaders team to play Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ben Franks, 2
Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Tom Marsha
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