Crusaders name side heavy on All Blacks

Daniel Carter

The Crusaders' first Super 14 starting line-up of the year has been named.

Thirteen past and present All Blacks have been named in the run-on fifteen to face the Highlanders at Jade Stadium on Saturday night.

Only left wing Scott Hamilton and lock Ross Filipo have not worn the national jersey.

Daniel Carter will start at first-five with new recruit Kevin Senio in the number nine jersey, while Caleb Ralph has beaten Casey Laulala for the centre berth.

Richard McCaw, Reuben Thorne and Mose Tuiali'i make up a powerful loose forward trio.

Draftees Tony Koonwaiyou and Brad Mika are the only players unavailable due to injury.

The Highlanders side is due out later. The Chiefs are also set to name their team today to play the Stormers in Johannesburg on Sunday morning NZ time.

Crusaders:
Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville, Campbell Johnstone, Chris Jack, Ross Filipo, Reuben Thorne, Richard McCaw, Mose Tuiali'i, Kevin Senio, Daniel Carter, Scott Hamilton, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Rico Gear, and Leon Macdonald.

Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Kevin O'Neill, Johnny Leo'o, Andrew Ellis, Cameron McIntyre, and Casey Laulala.

- NEWSTALK ZB