Scott Barrett returns to lead the Crusaders against the Waratahs

Crusaders Captain Scott Barrett re-joined the team this afternoon and will resume the captaincy role when they take on the Waratahs.

The 27-year-old was out of rugby for the past two weeks due to an illness and has not played a game since the Super Rugby Aotearoa final last month.

With Ethan Blackadder and hooker Brodie McAlister sent home due to an injury, they suffered in their 63-28 victory over the Reds last weekend, Barrett will start at lock moving Sam Whitelock to the bench.

Sione Havili Talitui will start in place of Whitelock teaming up with Whetukamokamo Douglas and Cullen Grace in the back row.

Sevu Reece and George Bower have been named in the starting line-up while Manasa Mataele is on the bench.

In last night’s result, the Hurricanes thrashed the Force 43-6.

The Crusaders will face the Waratahs at 5.05 this afternoon.

In other matches, the Blues will play the Brumbies at 7.15 tonight, the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 9.45 tonight and the Highlanders will play the Rebels at 5pm tomorrow.

[Source: Crusaders.co.nz]