All Blacks and Crusaders Captain Richie McCaw has been ruled out for 5 weeks after sustaining a medical ligament strain in his team's 6-0 loss to the Highlanders on Sunday.
In further bad news for the defending champion, in form wing Jared Payne has also been ruled out for an undefined time period with a high ankle sprain which could even cost him the rest of the season.
Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadders is hopeful McCaw will make the team's 3 match tour of South Africa in April and said George Whitelock now has a crucial role to play.
Blackadder is hopeful a couple of injured backs will be available for Saturday's match against the Western Force in Christchurch.
Both Leon MacDonald and Kade Poki are 5-50 chances to return this week so they have got their fingers crossed.
McCaw ruled out for 5 weeks
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement