McCaw named on bench for comeback

Richie McCaw

Bruising flanker Richie McCaw is primed to make his rugby comeback off the bench for the Crusaders in a Super 12 match against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Friday night.

McCaw was today named on the Crusaders reserves bench, alongside first five-eighth Dan Carter, who has been replaced in the starting 15 by Andrew Mehrtens for the final round robin match.

McCaw has not played since being concussed against the Bulls on April 9 but has been taking part in training in recent weeks.

In other changes, coach Robbie Deans has opted to start No 8 Sam Broomhall and demote Mose Tuiali'i to the bench, while prop Campbell Johnstone has gained a starting berth ahead of former All Blacks Greg Feek and Dave Hewett.

Both the Crusaders and Hurricanes are already guaranteed semifinals berths.

- NZPA