Romano's All Black dream shattered
Crusaders and All Black lock Luke Romano will face another lengthy stint on the sidelines, after suffering an ankle fracture in the side's big Super Rugby win over the Reds on Sunday.
Romano limped off shortly after half-time, which marred an impressive 57-29 win that lifted the Crusaders to fourth on the competition ladder.
The 16-cap second row forward left Brisbane with his right lower leg in a cast and in a wheelchair, making him the second candidate to be ruled out of the 35-man squad to be named Monday.
Despite a season disrupted by a calf injury Romano was likely to be included alongside Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick plus possibly Dominic Bird and the uncapped Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
His untimely injury could lead to a recall for the Hurricanes' Jeremy Thrush.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder told reporters the tough lock will overcome the setback.
"It's a real blow for Luke," Blackadder said, adding: "He's had one of those mixed seasons and now he's had an opportunity he's broke an ankle.
"He's pretty resilient and he'll come back from this."
Another likely candidate ruled out of the Test series is Blues fullback Charles Piutau, who suffered a serious knee injury against the Chiefs in New Plymouth last Friday.
* Meanwhile Highlanders lock Josh Bekhuis will miss the next month of Super Rugby, after limping off the field with a low ankle sprain in the win over the Lions at the weekend.
Flank John Hardie has been ruled out of Friday's match against the Hurricanes, after also suffering a knee injury.
* Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will put hooker Dane Coles through further tests to determine the full extent of a lower back strain suffered in last Friday's win over the Rebels.
Sources: Fairfax NZ & Newstalk ZB
