The Crusaders have received a massive boost ahead of their Super 14 rugby derby with the Hurricanes, after Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn were cleared to play.

McCaw yesterday passed an impact test gauging whether the captain had recovered from a concussion during the opening round victory over the Chiefs.

Thorn, bracketed initially with Isaac Ross, also passed a fitness test on his heel injury, and will combine with Ross Filipo in the second row.

Both the Crusaders and the Hurricanes have won one and lost one match this season.

The match between the two sides will be played tomorrow at 6:35pm.