Super 14

(Kick-off is GMT)

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

Friday, April 2:
H'canes v C'saders (06.35)
Force v Stormers (10.05)

Saturday, April 3:
Blues v Bulls (04.30)
Chiefs v H'landers (06.35)
W'tahs v Cheetah (08.40)
Sharks v Reds (15.05)

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Super 14

Friday, March 26:
Highlanders 39-29 Lions
Brumbies 30-23 Chiefs
Cheetahs 10-31 Reds

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

Six Nations

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Newsletter

Super 14

Carter not needed for lowly Lions

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:30

The quality of Dick Muir's Lions, or rather the lack thereof, is reflected in the announcement of a Crusaders team that will be minus the bulk of its All Blacks when they meet in Christchurch on Saturday.

Winless and having conceded 70 points in two of their five games, the Crusaders share the view that Muir's travelling band of toothless Lions are an easy Super 14 bonus point.

The Lions are second-last on the points table having conceded 228 points in five rounds including a 73-12 drubbing by the Waratahs last week.

As a result there will be no Dan Carter, with Colin Slade getting his first start for the Crusaders in his preferred flyhalf position.

The coaching staff have also opted to 'rest' four All Black forwards - prop Wyatt Crockett, lock Brad Thorn, as well as loose forwards Kieran Read and George Whitelock.

Apart from Slade replacing Carter, the only other backline change is at outside centre - where Adam Whitelock starts ahead of Robbie Fruean.

Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Jonathan Poff and Thomas Waldrom come in for Crockett, Thorn, George Whitelock and Read, respectively.

Crusaders backs coach Daryl Gibson said that steps had been taken to ensure there was no complacency in the camp.

"We've talked a lot about being professional this week and what that means - I think a professional performance is required," Gibson said.

"A team that hasn't had a victory are very dangerous in that they've got nothing to lose and they will go out and play.

"The Lions have shown their willingness to run the ball, probably to their detriment at times, but I'm sure they'll come and really attack us."

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

Date: Saturday, March 20
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 17.30 (04.30 GMT)
Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Matthew Stanish (New Zealand), James McPhail (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)