Rugby: McCaw back in the seven jersey

Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw is back in the No 7 jersey for the Super 15 rugby match against the Stormers at Cape Town on Sunday morning (NZT).

McCaw played at No 8 against Western Force in Perth last weekend in his comeback game from a bruised foot.

Against the Stormers he is back in his more familiar openside flanker role and replaces Matt Todd, who has started every match this season in the No 7 jersey.

Kieran Read is back to the starting 15 at No 8 after being rested for the last two rounds against the Highlanders and Force.

In the only other change from last weekend, Owen Franks starts at tighthead prop, replacing brother Ben, who injured his lower back in that match.

Andrew Olorenshaw is on the bench as prop cover.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder expects a tough match against the South African conference leaders.

"The Stormers will have a capacity crowd behind them and will want to build momentum against us," he said today.

"They have a very good defence and are smart on attack too so we'll have to be on top of our game."

Blackadder said discipline would be important for his players.

"We probably won't get as many opportunities to counter-attack as we did against the Force so we will have to look after possession, plus we can't afford to give away as many penalties."

Not considered due to injury were Ben Franks (lower back), Andy Ellis (thumb), Brad Thorn (calf), Dan Carter (hamstring) and Sam Whitelock (ankle).

The Crusaders team: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Chris Jack, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Richie McCaw (c), 8. Kieran Read, 9. Kahn Fotuali'i, 10. Matt Berquist, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Sean Maitland, 15. Israel Dagg.

Reserves: 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Andrew Olorenshaw, 18. Joe Wheeler, 19. Matt Todd, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Marshall, 22. Adam Whitelock.

- NZPA