Crusaders stand-in skipper Tom Christie's backing Ethan Blackadder to make an immediate impact in tonight's clash against the Waratahs in Sydney

The ten-test All Black has played a total of four minutes for the franchise since round four last Super Rugby season.

He injured his quad in last year's quarter-final against the Fijian Drua on return from a calf injury.

Another calf issue has kept him sidelined for the opening six rounds this year.

Christie says Blackadder will give it everything.



Kickoff tonight is at 9.35 - we'll have live commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.

Moana Pasifika host the Queensland Reds in Whangarei from five past seven.

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