Rugby: Big names return for Canterbury

Sean Maitland had an impressive season for the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

More Crusaders players are beginning to filter back into the Canterbury rugby side at just the right time.

Canterbury will defend the Ranfurly Shield against Southland at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Rob Penney has added flankers George Whitelock and Matt Todd along with fullback Sean Maitland to the starting lineup

In the absence of All Black first five Colin Slade, Tom Taylor has moved in one place to 10, with Ryan Crotty moving in one to second five, and Robbie Fruean joining the starting lineup at centre.

George Whitelock takes over the captaincy from Ash Parker who moves in to lock for the injured Luke Katene.

Crusaders:
Sean Maitland, Telusa Veainu, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Patrick Osborne, Tom Taylor, Willi Heinz, Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (captain), Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Andrew Olorenshaw, Paul Ngauamo, Paea Fa'anunu. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Nepo Laulala, Reuben Thorne, Brendon O'Connor, Mark Swanepoel, Tyler Bleyendaal, Johnny McNicholl, Sam Cottam.

- NEWSTALK ZB