Rugby: Guildford, Fotuali'i return for Crusaders

Zac Guildford. Photo / Getty Images

Kahn Fotuali'i and Zac Guildford have been named in the Crusaders squad for the first time this season, starting from the bench against he Highlanders on Saturday night.

Halfback Fotuali'i and wing Guildford will take their places on the reserves bench after recovering from a back injury and hamstring injury respectively.

Both had game time in the Crusader Knights victory over Tonga in the Pacific Rugby Cup at Lincoln University on Monday.

In other changes to the team which beat the Brumbies 52-10 in Nelson last weekend, Ben Franks replaces Wyatt Crockett at loosehead prop, Owen Franks starts at tighthead prop and Brad Thorn comes in for Chris Jack at lock.

The Highlanders lead the New Zealand conference and Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a big battle.

"They have played very well this season - winning their first three games including an excellent victory over the Bulls. And they lost narrowly to a good team in the Stormers. It's shaping up as a great contest in front of what should be a good crowd at Carisbrook,' he said.

Saturday's match will be the Crusaders' 200th game of Super Rugby.

The Crusaders team to play the Highlanders at Carisbrook on Saturday"

1. Ben Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (Capt), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Daniel Carter, 11. Adam Whitelock, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Sean Maitland, 15. Israel Dagg,

Reserves:
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Chris Jack
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Kahn Fotuali'i
21. Matt Berquist
22. Zac Guildford

Check tomorrow's New Zealand Herald for a free Rugby World Cup wall planner.