Rugby: All Blacks missing from Crusaders side

Crusaders lock Brad Thorn is starting Saturday’s match against the Highlanders from the bench. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named his starting 15 to face the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

While Dan Carter will make his first appearance since 2008, the news is not so good for fellow internationals Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn and Chris Jack who have been ruled out with injury.

All Blacks lock Brad Thorn will start from the bench, with Sam Whitelock and Isaac Ross preferred in the second row.

Left wing Zac Guildford and centre Robbie Fruean have been named to make their Crusaders debuts.

Crusaders
1. Ben Franks
2. Ti'i Paulo
3. Owen Franks
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (c)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Zac Guildford
12. Tim Bateman
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Jared Payne
15. Colin Slade

Reserves
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Peter Borlase
18. Brad Thorn
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Kahn Fotuali'i
21. Adam Whitelock
22. Sean Maitland

- NEWSTALK ZB