P – The opening match of the 2012 Super Rugby season between the Blues and Crusaders will see the return of a large number of All Blacks to Eden Park, scene of their World Cup triumph four months ago.
The two squads collectively contain almost 20 internationals, giving star power to Friday’s match that launches the longest-ever Super rugby season.
Notably absent from the Crusaders squad are All Blacks five eighth Dan Carter and captain Richie McCaw, both slated for later returns from injury.
Their starting line-up includes prop Ben Franks, lock Sam Whitelock and winger Israel Dagg, who were all starters in the World Cup final win over France. Talented youngster Tyler Blyendaal will start in the playmaker No.10 role in Carter’s place.
The Blues have named hooker Keven Mealamu as captain in a pack with contains lock Ali Williams and flanker Jerome Kaino, New Zealand’s 2011 Player of the Year.
But the Blues found no place in their starting lineup for World Cup first choice halfback Piri Weepu after his switch from the Hurricanes.
He’s on the bench as cover for both incumbent halfback Alby Mathewson and Michael Hobbs who gets first crack at the five eighth job that’s long been a question mark over the Blues.
“There is a bit of an edge around this time of the season and certainly for a game of this magnitude,” Blues coach Pat Lam said.
“It has been their longest break for a lot of them, a number have been away from rugby for months and now it is the real deal so there is some excitement and edge about this week.”
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly to make his debut for the franchise in anticipation of a tough set-piece contest.
“What we have seen in pre-season is a lot more lineouts and a lot more scrums,” Blackadder said.
“Last year we were seeing an average of about 10 to 12 lineouts in a game. At the moment we are getting that after 40 minutes.”
The feature match in the South African conference pits heavyweights the Sharks and Bulls against each other on Friday (early Saturday AEDT).
Dale Chadwick and Paul Jordaan have been named to make debuts for the Durban-based Sharks.
Chadwick has been named at loosehead prop after a strong season at Currie Cup level and Jordaan on the bench. Tim Whitehead and Riaan Viljoen will also play their first Super Rugby matches for the Sharks at inside centere and fullback respectively.
“We’re looking forward to the season,” coach John Plumtree said. “It comes to a point when all the work is done and the players can look forward to a game at the highest level.
“The mood at training is mirroring that. The boys are a bit grumpy and now they just want to get out there and play.”
Pierre Spies will captain a Bulls team in which nine of 22 players are making their debuts, though the starting lineup still contains 11 Springboks.
The Bulls newcomers are Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Jacques Potgieter, Juandre Kruger, Willie Wepener, C.J. Stander, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche and J.J. Engelbrecht.
