Crusaders and Bulls teams announced

Star winger Rico Gear will move into centre for the Crusaders Super 12 rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria this weekend.

The All Blacks flyer replaces Casey Laulala, who does not make the reserves bench, with Fijian Vilimoni Delasau starting on the right wing.

In other changes to the side that beat the Waratahs 33-27 on Saturday, hooker Tone Kopelani replaces Corey Flynn who was ruled out with a rib cartilage injury, while former All Blacks prop Greg Feek comes in for Dave Hewett at loosehead prop.

The match, at 3am Sunday NZ time, could also see reserve first five-eighth Andrew Mehrten's overhaul Matthew Burke's all-time Super 12 points scoring record.

Mehrten's, who scored a try in last week's win, is just four points adrift of Burke's 959.

The Crusaders are currently in third place on 20 points while the Bulls are third-to-last on the points table.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Vilimoni Delasau, Rico Gear, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Norm Maxwell, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Tone Kopelani, Greg Feek.

Reserves: Scott Hamilton, Andrew Mehrtens, Jamie Nutbrown, Sam Harding, Sam Broomhall, Campbell Johnstone, Ti'i Paulo.

Bulls: Johan Roets, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Ettienne Botha, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Anton Leonard (captain), Pedrie Wannenburg, Jacques Cronje, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Richard Bands, Gary Botha, Kees Lensing. Reserves: Danie Coetzee, Gurthro Steenkamp, Andries Human, Danie Rossouw, Heini Adams, Kennedy Tsimba, Warren Brosnihan.


- NZPA