Crusaders without key All Blacks for Lions clash
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders will be without three All Blacks for their Super Rugby Round 11 clash against the Lions in Christchurch on Friday.
The defending champions are returning to action this week following a bye and head coach Scott Robertson has decided to give All Black forwards Scott Barrett and Matt Todd an extended break.
It will be the pair’s second and final All Blacks rest week.
The Crusaders will also be without All Black prop Owen Franks this week.
Franks has a nagging shoulder injury, which is expected to be re-scanned in the next fortnight.
The good news for the Crusaders is that they are expected to have Codie Taylor and George Bridge available for Friday’s match.
Taylor missed his team’s last two matches due to a calf niggle, while Bridge has been out of action since injuring his knee/hamstring against the Waratahs in Round Six.
Both players took part in full training on Monday.
Source: stuff.co.nz
