Thorne on the brink of history
Thu, 15 May 2008 09:11
Crusaders stalwart Reuben Thorne will match Anton Oliver's record for the most appearances for one New Zealand franchise in Super Rugby when he runs out against the Highlanders in a Round 13 Super 14 clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
The 33-year-old All Black returns from injury in place of flank Kieran Read in one of seven changes to the starting line-up from the team who came from behind to beat the Reds in Brisbane last weekend.
The most significant change sees flyhalf Daniel Carter back in the No.10 jersey after coming off the bench last week. Carter's inclusion means Stephen Brett will shift to inside centre.
Scrumhalf Andrew Ellis has replaced Kahn Fotuali'i, whilst lock Ali Williams, prop Ben Franks and No.2 Corey Flynn all return to bolster the starting XV..
There is also a change at outside centre, where veteran utility Caleb Ralph takes over from Casey Laulala.
"We haven't looked any further ahead than this week, and what is the best combination to serve our needs against the Highlanders," said Crusaders coach Robbie Deans.
"The Highlanders have always been a particularly difficult opponent for us. There's a lot of history obviously, between the two South Island regions, and the derby element has always added a bit of heat to the contest. Saturday will be no different," added Deans.
Former All Blacks skipper Thorne will make his first appearance since he broke his knuckle while leading the Crusaders against the Lions on April 12.
It will also be his 127th game for the side, moving him level with Highlanders No.2 Anton Oliver for the most appearances by any player for one New Zealand franchise.
Ralph, who like Thorne will leave for a Japanese club at the end of the championship, is playing the 135th match of his Super Rugby career.
The former Chiefs and Blues player will be just one game behind the competition record-holder, the 136 games of Brumbies great George Gregan.
Veteran wing Ralph is also just one try behind Doug Howlett's Super Rugby try-scoring record of 59.
Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Caleb Ralph, 12 Stephen Brett, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richard McCaw (captain), 6 Reuben Thorne, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Kieran Read, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Tim Bateman, 22 Casey Laulala.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand), Josh Noonan (New Zealand)
Television match official: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
Assessor: Kim
Eichmann (New Zealand)
