Rico Gear will line up for the Crusaders against the Waratahs this Thursday. Photo / Christchurch Star
All Blacks wing Rico Gear makes his return to the Crusaders for Thursday night's final pre-Super 14 warm up rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
Gear joined the squad after his post-season break when they departed for Australia last Thursday and has been named
in the starting line-up for the annual Rotomahana Challenge at Aussie Stadium.
The Crusaders will again use most of the squad as coaches Robbie Deans, Mark Hammett and Todd Blackadder sift through their options before the defence of their crown starts at Eden Park against the Blues on February 2.
Although Deans has named a starting line-up, all 28 players in the squad will see game time.
The Crusaders have also fielded almost two entire teams in their two previous pre-season outings against a regional selection at Greymouth, and then last Friday night in Melbourne against the Western Force.
"We've got no preconceived ideas about selection for the game against the Blues," Deans said.
"A number of players have put their hands up already, and Thursday night will allow them all another opportunity to press their claims. All going well, we should come out of this contest with a better idea about what our squad for the Auckland game will be."
The match starts at 9.30pm NZT.
Crusaders: Brent Ward, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Casey Laulala, Scott Hamilton, Tusi Pisi, Kevin Senio, Jake Paringatai, Peter Nixon, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Ross Filipo, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn (captain), Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Ben May, Craig Clarke, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Brett, Tim Bateman, Rua Tipoki, Paul Williams, Johnny Leo'o, Mose Tuiali'i.
- NZPA
