Scott Barrett has a broken finger and is out for six weeks – another blow to a Crusaders team already creaking after their worst start to the season since Super Rugby began in 1996.
The Crusaders captain joins fellow All Black Will Jordan (shoulder) on the sidelines, although in the lock’s case he will return. Jordan is out for the season.
Midfielder David Havili, yet to find his best form for the Crusaders this season, will captain the team in another crucial game against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Friday.
The Crusaders looked good in scoring 19 unanswered points in their defeat to the Chiefs in round one, but missed far too many tackles against the Waratahs in Melbourne and the issue returned in their defeat to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka at the weekend.
They cemented an seven-year title-winning dynasty under previous coach Scott Robertson but new coach Rob Penney has found things much tougher after the departures of key men Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock.
This Friday’s match will be their first home game of the season. The Hurricanes go into it after an excellent win over the Blues in Wellington.
The Crusaders are currently 11th of 12 teams on the table.
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