McCaw may have to wait for break

Richie McCaw's workload is at the forefront of most rugby fans' minds, but the player himself seems unworried about the whole issue.

The Crusaders take on the struggling Force late Friday night in Perth in the Super 14, and many expected the likes of McCaw to be rested.

However, Coach Robbie Deans has other ideas, and hinted McCaw is not needing a break right now.

Deans says his players are fresh, with McCaw insisting on doing extra training after Saturday's game and Monday's practice.


The Crusaders coach has made seven changes to the side that thumped the Cheetahs.

Deans will have a different mid-field combination for the Perth match with centre Caleb Ralph and second five-eighth Aaron Mauger returning in place of Casey Laulala and Cameron McIntyre.

Halfback Andrew Ellis has been reinstated ahead of Kevin Senio, while All Black lock Chris Jack gets a rest with Kevin O'Neill pairing up with Ross Filipo. Brad Mika drops out of the squad.

In the front row Corey Flynn returns at hooker with Wyatt Crocker pushing fellow prop Greg Somerville to the reserves bench.

Deans has also named two openside flankers in his reserves with New Zealand sevens representative Tanerau Latimer joining Johnny Leo'o to give the Crusaders some speedy loose-forward options.

The Crusaders have been in devastating form clocking nine wins from as many matches to lead the competition, while the hapless Force, in their debut season, have failed to register a win.

The match kicks-off at 11.45pm (NZ time).

Crusaders Team:

Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Kevin O'Neill, Ross Filipo, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett, Kevin Senio, Johnny Leo'o, Tanerau Latimer, Greg Somerville, Tone Kopelani.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA