KEY POINTS:
All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has been restored as captain of the Crusaders for their Super 14 rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
McCaw returned from his All Blacks' reconditioning programme in last week's 36-11 defeat of the Stormers but that team was led by hooker Corey Flynn, the Crusaders captain through the first half of the season.
Coach Robbie Deans said it was time to hand the skipper's armband back to successful 2006 leader McCaw.
"Corey did a very good job for us in a challenging set of circumstances," Deans said.
"It is a testament to the leadership work of Corey and the senior players around him, that he hands over the captaincy responsibility with the side having performed particularly well in the last couple of weeks."
There is one personnel change to the Crusaders team, with Kevin Senio starting at halfback, pushing Andy Ellis onto the reserve bench.
The Crusaders have again opted for a five forward-two back split on the bench.
Crusaders:
Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Ross Filipo, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves:
Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Michael Paterson, Kieran Read Johnny Leo'o, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Brett.
- NZPA
