Crusaders sweating on injured All Black duo

Editor

The Crusaders’ win over the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday proved costly as their All Blacks outside backs Israel Dagg and Seta Tamanivalu were forced off the field through injury.

Dagg and Tamanivalu, who sustained first half knee and hamstring injuries respectively, will miss the seven-time champions’ match against the Blues in Auckland on Friday but it is unclear how long they will be sidelined.

Tamanivalu sat out the Crusaders’ training on Monday and Dagg was set to undergo an MRI scan for his injured right knee.

“We’re no further ahead than we were [on Sunday] as to how long they’re going to be out for and how quickly they’ll heal,” Crusaders’ assistant coach Brad Mooar told Stuff.

“Whether that’s going to be two weeks, four weeks or six weeks, whatever, we’ll find out when we’re told.”

Dagg’s injury is a massive blow as he was in fine form in the Crusaders’ first two matches against the Brumbies and Highlanders.

“He’s going to have a look with the specialist and they’ll have a scan and that’s a great way to rule things in or rule things out,” said Mooar.

Tamanivalu’s injury might not be as serious as initially feared. Mooar said the former Chiefs player, who joined the Crusaders at the start of the season was showing promising early signs.

“Already in two days, he’s moving a lot more freely than he was on Saturday night or Sunday as we were coming back,” he added.

“We’ll see what happens.”