Another big blow for the Crusaders as Franks suspended for 2-wks

Another big blow to the defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champion, the Crusaders, as veteran prop Owen Franks has been found guilty of dangerous play and suspended for two weeks.

Franks received a yellow card in the dying seconds of their 14-10 loss to the Hurricanes, however, the card was subsequently upgraded to red, meaning that Franks had to face a foul play committee.

SANZAAR says the Foul Play Review Committee has found Franks guilty of dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

It says a player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders, and Franks has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including their match against the Chiefs on the 29th of this month.

Franks' suspension is another setback in what has been a historically poor start for the 14-time champions.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be looking for their first win of the season when they take on the Blues at 6.05pm Saturday.

In other matches this weekend, the Hurricanes will host the Rebels at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will take on Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm Friday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men will take on the Waratahs at 1.05pm Saturday, the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 3.35pm Saturday, and Western Force will take on the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday.