Crusaders lose Heinz and the match

The Crusaders were dealt a cruel blow in their first pre-season outing, with scrumhalf Willi Heinz likely to miss the entire season.

Not only did the seven-time Super Rugby champions lose their All Black No.9, but they also lost the match 26-29 against a very willing Highlanders outfit in Timaru on Saturday.

Heinz is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after breaking a leg in the pre-season hit-out.

The scrumhalf, who is entering his sixth season with the Crusaders, was stretchered off after fracturing his left leg in the second quarter of the match.

There was further bad news for the seven-time champions, who host the Melbourne Rebels on February 13 in the opening fixture of the 2015 season.

Fijian wing Jone Macilai, recruited after strong performances for Northland in last year's national provincial championship, suffered a suspected broken arm.

While not thrilled by his side's high error-rate and the number of penalties conceded, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder was more concerned about the injury setbacks.

Blackadder is already without All Black No.9 Andy Ellis, because he is still playing for a club in Japan. Ellis, who skipped last year's national provincial championship to take up the offshore contract, is currently preparing to play in the Japanese championship play-offs.

He may not return to New Zealand until early March if his team, the Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers, qualify for the grand Final.

The Highlanders looked sharper for most of the fixture.

Despite trailing 10-12 at half-time they dominated possession and were more clinical when moving the ball down the right flank, resulting in wing Ryan Tongia scoring two tries.

Lock Tom Franklin was the only injury concern for the Highlanders, suffering an sprain ankle

Scorers:

For the Highlanders:

Tries: Tongia 2, Hardie, Eade, Dixon

Cons: Parker 2

Crusaders

Tries: Drummond, McNicholl, Prinsep, Taufua

Cons: Mo'unga 2, Hooper

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Kurt Baker, 14 Ryan Tongia, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Waisake Naholo 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Scott Eade, 8 Elliot Dixon (captain), 7 John Hardie, 6 James Lentjes, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Josh Hohneck.

Replacements – from: Kane Hames, Nasi Manu, Pingi  Ta'alapitaga, Joe Latta, Alex Ainley, Liam Howley, Hayden Parker, Tei Walden, Trent Renata, Sam Anderson Heather, Michael Collins.

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Jone Macalai, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Nathaniel Apa, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Jimmy Tupou, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Alex Hodgman.

Replacements – from: Ben Funnell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sione Faletau, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Robbie Fruean, Ged Robinson, Rob Thompson, Reed Prinsep, George Bridges, Michael Green, Willi Heinz, Milford Keresoma, Luke Romano, Jed Brown, Luteru Laulala.

Referees: Nick Briant, Jamie Nutbrown

Some sad news from today…Willi Heinz has broke his leg and Jone Macilai has a suspected broken arm.We wish both players all the best.

— The Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) January 24, 2015

It's all over here in Timaru and the #Highlanders have come away with a 29-26 win! #landers2015 pic.twitter.com/RZwNEeEh7x

— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) January 24, 2015