Whitelock and Crotty back for Crusaders to face the Bulls

Crusaders Captain Sam Whitelock and Vice Captain Ryan Crotty will return to face the Bulls tomorrow.

There are five changes to the starting line‑up from the side that played the Highlanders in Dunedin last Saturday.

Whitelock and Crotty have both recovered from their concussions so they return to the team.

Prop Tim Perry also returns to the Crusaders team, having made a successful return from injury for the Crusaders Knights in recent weeks.

Perry will start, and Wyatt Crockett takes a spot on the bench.

Flanker Billy Harmon will earn his second start for the Crusaders on Friday night; he replaces Vice‑Captain Matt Todd, who took a knock to the ribs and will be rested this week. The only other change to the backline sees Manasa Mataele start on the right wing in place of Seta Tamanivalu.

On the reserves bench Quinten Strange will wear the No. 19 jersey this week, and Tom Sanders returns in jersey No. 20 having successfully recovered from the fractured ankle he sustained during the pre‑season.

Brett Cameron will again provide first five‑eighth cover on the bench, while Braydon Ennor could earn his first Super Rugby cap if called on in the bench.

The Crusaders meet the Bulls at 6.35pm tomorrow.

Source: superxv