Reece starts as Crusaders lose Bridge due to appendicitis

Sevu Reece returns to the Crusaders starting line-up while Manasa Mataele drops to the bench for their clash against the Reds on Saturday.

There is also some bad news for Crusaders fans as they lose star winger George Bridge due to appendicitis.

Bridge has had his appendix removed on Tuesday, a day after first complaining of soreness. His post-surgery recovery is expected to take between four and six weeks.

Players like George Bower, Codie Taylor, Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan and David Havili are also starting for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders play the Reds at 9.45pm Saturday.

In other matches, the Rebels face the Hurricanes at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Western Force will face the Highlanders at 9.45pm tomorrow, the Blues will take on the Waratahs at 4.35pm Saturday, the Chiefs will face the Brumbies at 7.05pm Saturday and the Reds will host the Crusaders at 9.45pm Saturday.