Flynn back for Crusaders

Hooker Corey Flynn has been reinstated at hooker for the Crusaders' Super 12 rugby match against the Sharks in Christchurch on Friday night.

He comes in at the expense of Tone Kopelani, who returns to the bench.

Flynn injured his ribs against the Waratahs on April 2 and missed the Crusaders' trip to South Africa, returning home from Sydney to recover.

As expected, Richie McCaw remains on the sidelines to recover from concussion and Daniel Carter (first five-eighth) and Chris Jack (lock) returns to the run-on team after starting on the bench against the Cats last Saturday.

* Crusaders squad:
Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Aaron Mauger, Casey Laulala, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, Mose Tuali'i, Johnny Leo'o, Reuben Thorne (captain), Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Dave Hewett.

Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Campbell Johnstone, Sam Harding, Sam Broomhall, Jamie Nutbrown, Andrew Mehrtens, Scott Hamilton.

- NZPA