The All Black and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw will be back in time for the clash with the Sharks, but Andy Ellis will not be fit to play.

Richie McCaw returns from a six-week layoff as the Crusaders gain momentum and challenge for a top-four finish. Coach Todd Blackadder has been forced to start Ryan Crotty in midfield due to Casey Laulala’s broken arm, a move that will see Tim Bateman shift to No 13. Bronson Murray will oust Owen Franks at tighthead.

Ellis has been bracketed with Kahn Foutali’i as he is still feeling the effects of a rib ailment incurred in the win over the Stormers.

“Andy is running around and doing everything we’re asking but we want to leave it until the last minute before making a decision,” said Blackadder.

All Blacks lock Ross Filipo and Kade Poki are back on the bench. Micahel Paterson will cover McCaw at flank given George Whitelock’s injury.

Crusaders – 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Colin Slade, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotuali’i; 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Subs: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Ross Filipo, 19 Michael Paterson, 20 Fotuali’i/Tyson Keats, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Kade Poki.

Source: keo.co.za

Pic: tvnz.co.nz

As if the Crusaders did not have enough problems, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has a strained medial ligament in his right knee and will have to watch from the sideline for five weeks.

McCaw suffered the injury in the first half of the Canterbury Crusaders’ 6-0 loss to the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday. McCaw is likely to miss matches against the Western Force this weekend, New South Wales Waratahs (March 21), Stormers (March 28) and Bulls (April 3), the team said on their website (www.crusaders.co.nz).

The Crusaders have a bye the following week and the openside flanker could be considered for the first of their three games in South Africa against the Sharks on April 18.

“It’s never a good time to lose one of the best players in world rugby but it’s a good opportunity for George Whitelock to step up,” Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said.

“He played very well against the Brumbies when Richie was ruled out earlier in the season and I’m sure he’ll do very well in our next game against the Force.”

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