Rugby: Whitelock to return against Blues

Sam Whitelock will return to action against the Blues. Photo / Getty

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has recovered from his concussion and has been named on the reserves bench for the Crusaders against the Blues on Saturday.

Whitelock missed last weekend's big victory over the Hurricanes in Nelson and will bolster a line-up keen for five competition points to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Midfielder Ryan Crotty also returns from concussion to the bench.

Prop Wyatt Crockett will start, with Dominic Bird named alongside lock Luke Romano.

While the Blues are in a state of flux with coach John Kirwan naming several newcomers in his side, the Crusaders have named an unchanged backline, with Dan Carter again running the show at No10 and centre Robbie Fruean hoping to continue his blockbusting return from injury following his efforts against the Hurricanes.

Colin Slade, Israel Dagg and Kieran Read remain unavailable due to injury.

The Crusaders head to Auckland tomorrow and will face the Blues at Eden Park at 7:35pm on Saturday night.

Crusaders team to play the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday:

Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Robbie Fruean, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Kieron Fonotia.