Thorne back at no 6 for Crusaders

Rueben Thorne

Reuben Thorne returns to his favoured blindside flanker's job and Ross Filipo has been inserted at lock as expected in the Crusaders' run-on side for Saturday night's Super 14 rugby final against the Hurricanes.

With first-choice halfback Andrew Ellis out with a medial ligament (knee) injury, Kevin Senio will start in the No 9 jersey, with first five-eighth Dan Carter the backup halfback.

Thorne's return to No 6 after two games at lock and Filipo's inclusion suggests that coach Robbie Dean has opted for a bit more grunt in his pack than the mobility he wanted against the Bulls in last week's semifinal.

Otherwise, the Crusaders' run-on side is similar to the semifinal line-up, with the steady Caleb Ralph on the bench and Scott Hamilton and Rico Gear on the wings and Casey Laulala at centre.

Crusaders:

Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Stephen Brett, Tanerau Latimer, Johnny Leo'o, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani.

- NZPA