Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images
Sonny Bill Williams has recovered from a stress fracture in his left leg and will make his debut for the Crusaders against the Waratahs in Nelson on Friday night.
The All Blacks second five-eighth will partner Robbie Fruean in the midfield as one of two changes to the starting lineup
who lost to the Blues in round one.
The other change sees Adam Whitelock, who played at second five-eighth against the Blues, move to the left win to replace the injured Tu Umaga-Marshall.
There are two more changes to the reserves, with Tasman hooker Quentin MacDonald back from a knee injury and utility back Tom Marshall replacing Tyler Bleyendaal.
Williams played seven games for Canterbury in last season's national provincial competition before being selected for the All Blacks squad for the end of year tour to the United Kingdom.
The match will be played at Trafalagar Park in Nelson after being transferred from AMI Stadium in the wake of last week's devastating Christhcurch quake.
The Crusaders players will be wearing the red and white jersey of the West Coast for the match in tribute to the 29 workers who lost their lives at Pike River. The special edition jersey features the West Coast Rugby Union emblem alongside the Crusaders logo.
Team: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Adam Whitelock, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Chris Jack, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz, Matt Berquist, Tom Marshall
- NZPA
