All Blacks tighthead prop Owen Franks has been left in the
Crusaders reserves for the first match of the Super Rugby
season against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday night.
Coach Todd Blackadder has sprung an early surprise by naming
Ben Franks ahead of his brother in the number three jersey.
With the Blues without Tony Woodcock for the early part of
the season, it was thought that the Crusaders would have
wanted to put pressure on in this area, and Owen Franks is
one of the best in the business.
Wyatt Crockett has been named at loosehead for the Crusaders,
with former Highlander Tom Donnelly alongside Sam Whitelock
in the second row.
Tyler Bleyendaal has been named at first-five, as expected,
with All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg named on the left wing.
Tom Marshall is at fullback.
All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn is on the bench after recently
recovering from a fractured toe.
Crusaders team to play the Blues: Wyatt Crockett, Quentin
MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Samuel Whitelock, George
Whitelock, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (c), Andy Ellis, Tyler
Bleyendaal, Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Sean
Maitland, Tom Marshall. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks,
Luke Romano, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Adam
Whitelock.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.