Crusaders sweating on Scott Barrett injury
The Crusaders are sweating over the fitness of All Blacks lock Scott Barrett ahead of Friday’s Super Rugby derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch.
Barrett hurt the medial collateral ligaments in his knee during the champions’ 25-8 victory over the Blues in Auckland at the weekend.
Barrett, who is the Crusaders’ captain for the 2020 season, did not participate at his team’s training session on Monday.
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“Clearly, if you’re not training there’s obviously a question mark over your availability,” Crusaders assistant coach Mark Jones told Stuff.
“We just want to be really clear and make sure we’ve got a really fit, healthy and energised squad on Wednesday. And if Scott comes back in on Wednesday with that type of feeling and mentality he’ll be up for selection.
“If not, then the next cab off the rank will do a good job, I’m sure.”
With fellow All Black Sam Whitelock (sabbatical) and Quinten Strange (hand) currently unavailable, Mitchell Dunshea and Luke Romano are the other specialist locks available to the Crusaders, although Cullen Grace, who shone on the blindside flank in the win over the Blues, can also pack down in the second-row.
