Crusaders set to rest Read
After going down to the Chiefs in Suva, the Crusaders will need to win their last two matches in the league phase to be assured of a play-off spot.
However, after heavy Super Rugby workload and his exertions as an All Blacks ever-present and captain in the three-test series against Wales, Read will be given some time off when the Crusaders take on the Rebels.
"Kieran's been fronting for us all year, now it's time for this team to step up," Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder told the Dominion Post on Sunday.
"We are just going to give him a breather, that was always the plan."
The Crusaders might also be without All Blacks props Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett for the fixture against the Rebels.
Moody could have "a little bit of nerve damage" in his neck while Crockett suffered "a few haematomas to his calf and leg" in the 13-23 loss to Chiefs.
While Moody and Crockett might be doubtful, Blackadder is hopeful of having lock Luke Romano back from a hamstring strain for the clash against the Rebels.
"He said he tweaked his hamstring in the week of the third test and, and he wasn't right to play for us, which was a bit frustrating," Blackadder said.
"He jogged, but he just couldn't run at full pace so he was no good to us."
Source: The Dominion Post
