Super 14

(Kick-off is GMT)

Friday, March 26:
H'landers v Lions (06.35)
Brumbies v Chiefs (08.40)
Cheetahs v Reds (17.10)

Saturday, March 27:
H'canes v Sharks (06.35)
Waratahs v Blues (08.40)
Force v Bulls (11.10)

LIVE COVERAGE

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Super 14

Saturday, March 20:
Crusaders 46-19 Lions
Highlanders 16-30 Sharks
Force 10-14 Waratahs
Stormers 21-8 Cheetahs

Friday, March 19:
Blues 39-34 Brumbies
Bulls 19-18 Hurricanes

Six Nations

Saturday, March 20:
Wales 33-10 Italy
Ireland 20-23 Scotand
France 12-10 England

LIVE COVERAGE

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Newsletter

Super 14

Chris Jack on his way back

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:13

Looking ahead: Former Saracens and WP lock Chris Jack

Veteran Crusaders lock Brad Thorn is likely to be rested for Saturday's clash against the Lions, while fellow stalwart Chris Jack is set to make his first appearance for the Crusaders in 34 months.

The Press reports that although reluctant to discuss the changes he would make for the match against the winless Lions, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wants 35-year-old All Black lock Thorn to rest a chest injury, which means that the 32-year-old Jack will get his first run with the Crusaders since their 2007 semi-final loss to the Bulls in Pretoria.

"Brad Thorn has a sore sternum and we will probably look to give him a breather for the next match and Chris Jack is fit and available and is likely to be on the bench," Blackadder told The Press.

Jack joined London club Saracens on a two-year contract before ending his offshore stint with Western Province in the Currie Cup last year.

After signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2011, he aims to add to the 67-Test cap tally he earned between 2001-2007 with the All Blacks, but his prioity is to force his way into the Crusaders side as a starting lock ahead of Thorn, Isaac Ross and Sam Whitelock.

All Black Ross and rookie Whitelock are likely to pair up in the second row against the Lions and Jack will probably get between 30 and 40 minutes to earn his 90th Super cap, having made his Super 12 debut in 1999.

A wrist operation prevented Jack's return for the first five matches but he returned to action for the Crusaders Development Team in their last two games.