Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock has been ruled out of tomorrow's Super Rugby southern derby against the Highlanders, displaying concussion symptoms at the team's training yesterday.
Whitelock, 29, suffered the knock in the Crusaders' loss to the Hurricanes last week, sitting out of tomorrow night's match as part of the post-concussion return to play process.
Luke Romano is elevated to the starting line up in his absence, with Quinten Strange coming onto the bench.
Flanker Matt Todd will take over as captain, with Tim Bateman his deputy.
Veteran first-five Mike Delany has also been ruled out, jarring his knee at training yesterday.
Delany was meant to start the match on the bench, however Brett Cameron now finds himself covering for Mitchell Hunt instead.
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