Whitelock and Grace back from injury for Rebels match

Sam Whitelock and Cullen Grace are returning from injury to face the Rebels in Melbourne tomorrow night, signalling light at the end of the tunnel for the injury-hit franchise.

Grace has not played since he was forced out of the team’s season-opening loss to the Chiefs inside 10 minutes with a shoulder injury, while Whitelock will start alongside captain Scott Barrett after being sidelined since fracturing his hand in the team’s narrow win over the Blues on March 18.

Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson says fullback Will Jordan was “very close” to being named for his first match of the year, while Ethan Blackadder and Oli Jager are also nearing a return from their neck injuries.

Robertson also confirmed they have opted to give blockbusting utility Leicester Fainga’anuku an extra week off.

The Rebels host the Crusaders at 9.35pm tomorrow while the Chiefs play the Drua at 7.05pm.

On Saturday, the Blues face the Waratahs at 7.05pm and the Force host the Highlanders at 9.35pm.

Source: Stuff.co