Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his starting fifteen to play the Blues in the Crusaders first season game of the Investec Super Rugby 2013 season. The game takes place this Friday 1st March at Eden Park. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

The team features the Crusaders star players to take on the Blues in what should be an exciting encounter. The Crusaders Forward Pack has an established look about it, with Crockett, Flynn, Franks, Romano and Whitelock making up the tight five. Whilst in the backs Tom Taylor will take the field in fullback position with Israel Dagg moving to the left wing.

Joe Moody and Dominic Bird have the opportunity to make their first appearance for Crusaders if called upon from the bench.

The game will mark a milestone for Robbie Fruean appearing in his 50th game for the Crusaders. The outside centre joined the Crusaders in 2009 after making his debut in super rugby for the Hurricanes. To date he has scored over 65 points for side. 

The team will be captained by experienced Crusader and All Black Kieran Read.

Crusaders team to play the Blues:

1.    Wyatt Crockett

Reserves

2.    Corey Flynn

16. Ben Funnell

3.    Owen Franks

17.  Joe Moody

4.    Luke Romano

18.  Dominic Bird

5.    Samuel Whitelock

19.  Luke Whitelock

6.    George Whitelock

20. Willi Heinz

7.    Matt Todd

21. Tyler Bleyendaal

8.    Kieran Read (c)

22. Tom Marshall

9.    Andy Ellis

   

10.  Dan Carter

   

11. Israel Dagg

   

12. Ryan Crotty

   

13. Robbie Fruean

   

14. Adam Whitelock

   

15. Tom Taylor