All Black shortage at Crusaders

Editor

The Crusaders are set to be without five injured All Blacks for this week's Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Second-row Sam Whitelock is ruled out and joins number eight and captain Kieran Read on the sideline, with the internationals suffering from concussion.

Joining the forward duo in missing the vital game will be fly-half Colin Slade (quad) while full-back Israel Dagg and prop Joe Moody are also doubtful.

The Crusaders currently sit in ninth position in the overall standings, seven points off the play-off positions with three games left to play in the season.