McCaw back, Ralph at centre in Crusaders lineup

Caleb Ralph will continue at centre for the Crusaders in their Super 12 rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes at Jade Stadium on Friday.

Ralph moved from wing to centre against the Hurricanes in their final round-robin match last week after Casey Laulala suffered a hamstring injury.

Laulala has yet to recover fully from the injury.

As expected, All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw will lead the team after coming back from a five-week lay-off following a head injury.

Johnny Leo'o, who scored two tries from openside flanker last week, returns to the bench.

Goalkicking first five-eighth Daniel Carter also returns to the run-on side and Andrew Mehrtens drops to the bench.

The Crusaders have 13 past or present All Blacks in the starting team.

* Teams

Crusaders:

Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, Mose Tuali'i, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Dave Hewett.

Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Campbell Johnstone, Sam Broomhall, Johnny Leo'o, Jamie Nutbrown, Andrew Mehrtens, Vilimoni Delasau.

Hurricanes:

Shannon Paku, Lome Fa'atau, Tane Tuipulotu, Tana Umaga (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Kennedy, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Penn.

Reserves: Joe Ward, Gordon Slater, Paul Tito, Ben Herring, Isaac Boss, Hosea Gear, Brent Ward.

- NZPA