Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named a 26-man team for the Crusaders' pre-Super 14 match against the Reds which is missing most of the squad's All Blacks including former All Blacks lock Chris Jack
Jack last played for the All Blacks in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter final and has returned to New Zealand ahead of the 2011 Rugby world cup after stints with Saracens in England and Western Province in Cape Town, South Africa.
Wrist surgery may however sideline the 31-year-old until the Crusaders have played their first three SuperRugby matches in February.
"He's well and truly on track. Initially we didn't think we were going to see him back until April," Blackadder told The Press of Jack.
With All Blacks lock Brad Thorn still on holiday and Jack unavailable, Blackadder has listed Sam Whitelock and wider training group player Joe Wheeler as his second rowers, while Isaac Ross is in the reserves.
The team will be captained for this match by openside flanker George Whitelock and as regular captain Richie McCaw is still on leave and with him missing the opening three rounds of the Super 14, loosie Kieran Read has been pencilled in to lead the Crusaders. Read is however rehabilitating a groin injury.
All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett is named in the reserves while No.9 Andy Ellis is being "managed" after fracturing a bone in his foot and
Crusaders:
Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Robert Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock (c), Ash Parker*, Sam Whitelock, Joe Wheeler*, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald*, Wyatt Crockett, Isaac Ross, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz*, Daniel Bowden, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Matt Todd*, Andrew Olorenshaw*, Peter Borlase.
*denotes wider training group players who cover for All Blacks on leave
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