Crusaders v Sharks semi-final preview

The Crusaders hope to continue their 100% record on home soil in Super Rugby semi-finals as they host the Sharks in Christchurch.
Richie McCaw returns to a back row consisting of Kieran Read and Matt Todd, and will start on the blindside. The All Blacks captain last pulled on the red jersey on the 29^th May in a win against the Western Force and returns having been sidelined with a rib injury sustained in the June internationals against England.
In the other change to the starting XV, Corey Flynn has been recalled to play at hooker to record his 150^th cap. Possibly, his last appearance should the Crusaders lose as he moves to Toulouse at the end of the season.
The Sharks have made three changes with Pat Lambie handed his first start in over four months meaning Frans Steyn moves to inside centre.
JP Pietersen continues his nomadic trend having been switched to the right wing from outside centre once more. Paul Jordaan shuffles down to the 13 peg, meaning Sibusiso Sithole drops to the bench.
In the forwards, Willem Alberts will play at lock as he steps in for the injured Anton Bresler. Jean Deysel moves in to perform blindside duties.
In the same fixture in the round-stage, the Sharks recorded a shock 30-25 win having gone down to 14 men early on through a Jean Deysel red card.
Crusaders: Dagg; Fonotia, Crotty, Carter, Nadolo; Slade, Ellis; Crockett, Flynn, Franks; Bird, Whitelock; McCaw, Todd, Read (Capt.)
Replacements: Funnell, Moody, Laulala, Tupou, Taufua, Heinz, Taylor, McNicholl.
Sharks: Marais; Pietersen, Jordaan, Steyn, Mvovo ; Lambie, Reinach ; Du Toit, B du Plessis (Capt.), J du Plessis ; Alberts, Lewies; Coetzee, Deysel, Kankowski.
Replacements: Cooper, Chadwick, Adriaanse, Oosthuizen, Mtembu, McLeod, Sithole, Chavhanga.
ADAM ELLIS