Rugby: Ellis only change for Crusaders

Andy Ellis

Halfback Andy Ellis is the only face in the Crusaders starting lineup to face the Lions in their Super 14 rugby match at Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZ time).

All Blacks No 9 Ellis was named in the starting team who beat the Queensland Reds 33-22 at Christchurch last week but a late switch saw Kevin Senio start when it was decided a head knock had hampered Ellis' preparations.

Senio returns to an otherwise unchanged reserve bench although prop Wyatt Crockett has been bracketed with Ben May. Crockett has been dogged by a bout of flu since the side arrived in South Africa on Tuesday morning.

An assessment as to whether Crockett will be fit enough to play was to be made later in the week.

Centre Casey Laulala is expected to be fit to start after sitting out training on Tuesday with a sore thigh.

- NZPA