Relief for the Crusaders and All Blacks coaches

Scott Barrett's been named to start for the defending Super Rugby champions in Saturday's southern derby against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The 60-test lock had succumbed to a back injury early in the Crusaders' home loss to the Reds last weekend.

But coach Rob Penney says the 30-year-old's responded well to treatment.



Ethan de Groot returns from All Black rest to take over the Highlanders' captaincy from Billy Harmon, who has a cut to his hand.



Fullback Zarn Sullivan, lock Sam Darry and flanker Akira Ioane are among the Blues returned to the run-on side to face the Hurricanes in the battle of the top two teams at Eden Park this Saturday afternoon.

The table-topping Hurricanes have strengthened their team...with captain Brad Shields, TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett among six changes to their starting line-up.

SUPER RUGBY COVERAGE WITH HABIT HEALTH. TACKLING ALL YOUR ACHES AND PAINS FROM SPORT AND WORK.