Crusaders recall Moody for semi-final, Savea nears Hurricanes return

All Black prop Joe Moody will return for the Crusaders in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Hurricanes, who could welcome Ardie Savea back into the fold on Saturday.

Moody sat out the 40-10 quarter-final victory over the Sharks with a knee injury, but he has been named in Scott Robertson’s starting XV as their only change from the win against the South African franchise.

The 29-year-old’s recall means Tim Perry drops to the bench.

Crusaders head coach Robertson said: “Everyone who has worn the jersey for us this season has performed so this was the hardest team to name because of the great depth we have in our squad.

“Joe has worked extremely hard to get back in time for finals footy, and he joins a powerful forward pack, who are ready for the challenge on Saturday.

“This game is going to be huge. It doesn’t get any bigger than a New Zealand derby match in the knockout stages of Super Rugby.”

The Hurricanes are unchanged from their 32-31 defeat of the Chiefs last time out, but Savea could make his first appearance since sustaining a high ankle sprain in New Zealand’s third Test against France on June 23.

Flanker Savea has been bracketed with Reed Prinsep, with Chris Boyd to take a call on which player to include among his replacements later this week.

Semi Final lineup. pic.twitter.com/HZLv9ww6RD

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) July 26, 2018

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