The Crusaders will have to do without three experienced players including captain Richie McCaw for their Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
Injuries have seen flanker McCaw, lock Brad Thorn and fullback Leon MacDonald omitted from the team for the game.
McCaw suffered a head knock against the Chiefs last weekend.
Team management said he had not recovered sufficiently to play although he had improved significantly.
Thorn suffered a heel injury against the Chiefs while MacDonald hurt his shoulder in the same game.
George Whitelock will replace McCaw on the openside flank, with Isaac Ross coming in for Thorn and Stephen Brett for MacDonald.
The Crusaders/Brumbies match will kick off on Saturday at 8:40pm in Canberra.
Crusaders without crucial 3
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