Read forced to withdraw due to concussion

Crusaders skipper Kieran Read has been forced to withdraw from the Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies due to concussion.

The All Black number eight has failed to fully recover from the head knock that forced him off the field against the Chiefs two weeks ago.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will no doubt be concerned as this is the second time this season that Read has been forced to miss a game after taking a blow to the head against the Hurricanes back in March and missing the fixture against the Lions a week later.

According to Planet Rugby, the news means that All Blacks captain Richie McCaw could make his return from a two month absence at number eight.

The Crusaders will face the Brumbies at 4.35pm Saturday.

Story by: Dhanjay Deo