Crusaders prefer Ellis over Senio again

Young Andrew Ellis is again keeping All Blacks halfback Kevin Senio on the bench for one of the Crusaders' biggest Super 14 rugby matches of the season.

Coach Robbie Deans has retained his starting 15 that beat the Hurricanes 20-11 last Saturday for their top-of-the-table fixture at Jade Stadium on Friday night.

Ellis, 22, who capped a fine all round game with a try against the Hurricanes, has been rewarded with the No 9 jersey again.

"We got a great start out of this group and that will be important again," Deans said.

"The combinations worked well and it will be encouraging to go into the game with some continuity.

"However, with only six days since the physical clash against the Hurricanes, we may have to go to the bench more on Friday night."

Blindside flanker Reuben Thorne will become the most capped Crusader on Friday, playing his 106th game for the franchise and overtaking Justin Marshall's record of 105 appearances.

Waratahs vice-captain Phil Waugh will resume his role as the openside flanker, opposite Richie McCaw, in the game.

Waugh played off the bench last week to freshen up for the second half of the season.

"He's one of the world's best players and he'll play a critical role at the breakdown as usual," Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said.

Matt Dunning returns to loosehead prop after Benn Robinson suffered a shoulder injury against the Cheetahs last week.

"Matt's trained in the position all week so rather than rush Benn straight back in, it makes sense to play him off the bench," McKenzie said.

Deans said he noted the Crusaders and the Waratahs had won three games each against each other in the last five years.

"The Waratahs are a side that have been on the incline for a number of years. They've bolstered their ranks this year, put a lot of thought into their game plan and are very hungry to succeed," he said.

"You only need to look at the statistics to see they are setting the benchmark this year. They're the best performed team in terms of both the accuracy of their execution and their effectiveness. They're also an intelligent side with the ability to adapt their game.

"We'll certainly have to have our wits about us."

Deans said his own team would be mentally refreshed playing at home.

The Waratahs lead the points table with 32 points from eight matches and the unbeaten Crusaders are just one point behind and have a match in hand.

TEAMS

Crusaders:

Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville.

Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Brad Mika, Johnny Leo'o, Kevin Senio, Cameron McIntyre, Casey Laulala.

Waratahs:

Peter Hewat, Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui, Shaun Berne, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Halangahu, Chris Whitaker (captain), David Lyons, Phil Waugh (vice-captain), Wycliff Palu, Daniel Vickerman, Alex Kanaar, Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Matt Dunning.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Rocky Elsom, Stephen Hoiles, Brett Sheehan, Sam Norton-Knightm, Ben Jacobs, Will Caldwell.

- NZPA