Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named his team to face England tomorrow at AMI Stadium.
Munster-bound Tyler Bleyendaal will wear the No.10 jersey with Dan Carter just returning from his sabbatical and Colin Slade rested ahead of the end of the Super Rugby Season.
Tom Taylor starts at full-back while the Luke and George Whitelock, brothers of All Black lock Sam, are at No.8 and openside. Flanker Matt Todd has been released by the All Blacks to join the team and will provide cover on the bench.
Blackadder said: ”This is such a special occasion for so many reasons and the team has been absolutely buzzing in the lead up to this game.
“For our players this is a great chance to pit themselves against one of the world’s best international sides. For our fans, this will be a great spectacle and also a celebration of how far Christchurch has come.
“Local rugby fans were gutted when the earthquakes took away our opportunity to host England at the last Rugby World Cup, so it is fantastic to have the chance to host them now. We know the England team particularly wanted to make the effort to play in Christchurch while they were here and we are very grateful for that, “Blackadder said.
Crusaders: Tom Taylor; Johnny McNicholl, Reynold Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, Nafi Tuitavake; Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz; Tim Perry, Corey Flynn, Nepo Laulala; Jimmy Tupou, Joel Everson; Jordan Taufua, George Whitelock (Capt.), Luke Whitelock.
Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Siate Tokolahi, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Adam Whitelock, Rob Thompson.
