Ross back for Crusaders as Jack stays on outer

Blackadder wary of Chiefs' firepower

MISSING OUT: Isaac Ross has been left out of the Crusaders' 25-man Super 14 squad to tour Australia and South Africa.

Tough Super 14 weekend for Kiwis

Crusaders Super 14 action

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Sean Maitland, Richie McCaw, Owen Franks and Andy Ellis celebrate Owen Franks try.

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All Blacks lock Isaac Ross returns to the starting lineup with the Crusaders resisting the temptation to get veteran Chris Jack involved in Friday night's clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Ross comes in to partner Brad Thorn with exciting prospect Sam Whitelock dropping to the bench.

That means there is still no room for Jack, the All Blacks veteran who has returned from playing in England and South Africa but has been stalled by a wrist injury.

Jack had his first hit-out of the season last weekend, getting through 70 minutes for the Crusaders development team.

Coach Todd Blackadder has decided Jack needs a bit more fine-tuning.

Blackadder, however, is fully aware of the Chiefs strikepower out wide and the fact they will still be smarting from surrendering a big lead to lose at home to the Reds last week.

Blackadder expects the Chiefs to vent their spleen on the Crusaders in their fifth round fixture but said his team were up for the assignment after training in Christchurch today.

"We're going up there really committed, really hungry and have focused on looking forward. When they look at their game (after the Reds loss) I'm sure they'll feel they just need to refocus and it's all there."

Blackadder predicted the Chiefs would continue to play an expansive game with subtle variations.

"The first three times they threw the ball wide against the Reds they scored tries and that's just gold. They've shown all campaign they've got strikepower. We've just got to deny them that set piece pressure.

"They're last year's finalists and a good side. We know what it is like to get one shoved up you and I'm sure this week, with the chance to make amends, can't be too long for them. We expect it to be a confrontational and physical contest as they always are."

With the Crusaders going so well Blackadder has stuck largely with the side that beat the Blues last weekend.

Ross is the only change in the pack with Richie McCaw continuing his blindside flanker's role.

The enforced absence of All Blacks halfback Andy Ellis after a head knock against the Blues is the only alteration to the backline.

Kahn Fotuali'i gets the No 9 jersey with Willie Heinz covering on the bench.

Blackadder got some good new on his reserves on Wednesday.

Thomas Waldrom and Ben Franks will both be available to take their places on the bench after earlier being bracketed.

No8 Waldrom didn't play in the victory over the Blues last weekend - the first match he has missed for the Crusaders - due to an Achilles tendon strain suffered in the previous week's win over the Sharks.

Prop Franks was sidelined last week by a knee strain.

Both players came through training well to confirm their places in the 22.

Corey Flynn is also on the bench as he continues his comeback from injury after getting some game time against the Blues.

The Crusaders have climbed to fifth on the crowded points table, just one point behind the second-placed Chiefs with both teams having three wins and a loss over the first month.

CRUSADERS: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.

-with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News