Read still toiling away

Patrick McKendry

Kieran Read has just led the All Blacks through a torrid Lions tour but has put his hand up for more for the Crusaders.

The No 8 will start for coach Scott Robertson’s men against the Hurricanes in Wellington tomorrow night. He won’t be captain, with Matt Todd taking over those duties from Sam Whitelock, who has been named on the reserves bench. But it is a minor surprise to see Read back so quickly.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had said he would be keeping an eye on the selections for this match with the Super Rugby finals around the corner and the Rugby Championship starting in five weeks.

The Crusaders are guaranteed a home quarter-final and are resting All Blacks front rowers Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks.

“We have got to look after them, there are still some big games to come, obviously,” Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan said. “The demanding setpiece battle during the Lions series means it just makes sense to freshen them up.”

Robertson has still named a strong side for what is likely to be a hotly- contested match if the first one of the season in May is anything to go by.

Israel Dagg, who played in all three tests plus the Crusaders match against the Lions, has been named at fullback, with George Bridge and Seta Tamanivalu on the wings.

Whitelock’s place at lock alongside Luke Romano has been taken by Scott Barrett, who makes a welcome return from knee and ankle injuries.

The Crusaders, undefeated in Super Rugby this season, must win the match in order to guarantee themselves a home final if they get that far.

Clearly Read, disappointed to finish his 100th test with a draw, which also squared the series against the Lions, has told Robertson he is good to go physically as well as mentally.

Getting straight out on the pitch again against the Hurricanes at the scene of the second test loss could be one way to put those bad memories to rest.