Rugby: Canterbury get skipper back

Canterbury captain George Whitelock has recovered from an ankle injury. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury captain George Whitelock returns from injury to lead his team in the Air NZ Cup rugby match against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe on Friday night.

Openside flanker Whitelock has missed Canterbury's last two matches against Taranaki and Northland because of an ankle sprain.

Whitelock replaces Matt Todd, who drops to the reserves bench.

Second-five Ryan Crotty also returns to Canterbury's line-up for the first time since the Otago match three weeks ago.

He has recovered from a head knock and flu to wear the No 12 jersey instead of Tim Bateman, who is on the bench.

There are several other changes to Canterbury's starting line-up from the 31-21 win over Northland last Saturday.

Andrew Olorenshaw replaces Wyatt Crockett at loosehead prop, Ti'i Paulo comes in for Corey Flynn at hooker, Nasi Manu replaces Ash Parker at No 8, Tyson Keats starts instead of Andy Ellis at halfback and James Paterson is on the wing instead of Tu Umaga-Marshall.

Crockett is being rested this weekend, with Flynn, Parker, Ellis and Umaga-Marshall all on the reserves bench.

Adam Whitelock is again unavailable for selection due to a knee cartilage injury suffered in training early last week.

The Counties-Manukau match comes after Canterbury have defended the Ranfurly Shield on three consecutive weekends against Otago, Taranaki and Northland.

"It's nice to be able to tuck the shield away for a weekend but we know Counties-Manukau will be tough at home," Canterbury coach Rob Penney said.

" It's a different mix of players for Canterbury this weekend and a great opportunity for them."

Canterbury's next shield defence is against Manawatu on October 9.

Canterbury
Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Ryan Crotty, James Paterson, Stephen Brett, Tyson Keats, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Andrew Olorenshaw.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Rodney Ah You, Ash Parker, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Tim Bateman, Tu Umaga-Marshall.

- NZPA