McCaw remains on bench

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw remains on the bench for the Crusaders as he continues his return from foot surgery.

Coach Todd Blackadder has named a settled line up for Sunday's final rematch against the Reds.

He says they don't want to throw him straight into what's bound to be a physical match.

"We could almost trust starting him. One of the reasons why we haven't is this game's going to be really intense I'd suggest and it's different when you're trying to come back from a long injury and play at a level of intensity that I'm sure that there will be."

The only change to the team which beat the Waratahs could come on right wing, where Sean Maitland is bracketed with Adam Whitelock.

Maitland has been recovering from an ankle injury.

Assistant coach Daryl Gibson says Tom Taylor has been guiding the side well at first five and is kicking all his goals.

He says he's well aware that the All Blacks will want Dan Carter at 10, but at this point, he's not ready.

"For us at the moment the 10, 12 combination with him and Taylor is working really well so until that point where we feel that DC's better used at 10, we'll reserve judgement until then."

Meanwhile Sunday afternoon rugby is finding favour with the Crusaders.

Winger Zac Guildford is over being a creature of the night.

"I reckon it's awesome, gives us a chance to get out there and play in some sunshine in front of a home crowd and also you don't have to wait all bloody day until 7.30 to play a game."

The Crusaders will host the Reds in front of a sellout crowd at 4pm on Sunday at AMI Stadium, having played at the same time in Sydney last week.

Full team:

1. Ben Franks

2. Corey Flynn

3. Owen Franks

4. Luke Romano

5. Tom Donnelly

6. George Whitelock

7. Matt Todd

8. Kieran Read

9. Andy Ellis

10. Tom Taylor

11. Zac Guildford

12. Dan Carter

13. Robbie Fruean

14. Sean Maitland/Adam Whitelock

15. Israel Dagg

Reserves:

16. Ben Funnell

17. Wyatt Crockett

18. Samuel Whitelock

19. Richie McCaw

20. Willi Heinz

21. Ryan Crotty

22. Tom Marshall

Photo: Richie McCaw (Photosport)