Crusaders select Todd for hurricanes clash despite a broken thumb

The Crusaders, already without the injured Richie Mo'unga, have selected Matt Todd to play against the Hurricanes on Saturday despite a broken thumb.

Todd fractured his thumb in his side's first match of the season against the Chiefs, and missed last weekend's big victory over the Stormers.

But he will wear the No7 jersey against fellow All Black Ardie Savea at the Cake Tin after training well this week.

Meanwhile, Mitch Hunt has been named in the No.10 jersey in the absence of Mo'unga, who has had surgery on a broken jaw.

Elsewhere, flanker Pete Samu will be out for a fortnight with a shoulder issue, while All Blacks regulars including Kieran Read, Israel Dagg and props Joe Moody and Owen Franks will remain on the sidelines.

The Hurricanes will host the Crusaders at 6.35pm Saturday.

Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Mitch Hunt, Bryn Hall, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Heiden Bedwell‑Curtis, Sam Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Ben Funnell, Chris King, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Billy Harmon, Mitch Drummond, Mike Delany, Manasa Mataele.

Source: Planet rugby