Crusaders say it’s too soon to say how long captain Scott Barrett will take to recover from a back injury while Blues centre Rieko Ioane is also out.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who could potentially want Barrett as captain, will be hoping the lock makes a swift recovery.
Barrett lasted just 13 minutes and without their skipper, the Crusaders slumped back into their bad old habits as they suffered their first defeat to the Reds in Christchurch since 1999.
He's also a major asset for the All Blacks, who lost veteran second rowers Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock after the World Cup last year.
Blues centre Ioane, who appears certain to feature in Robertson's plans during the test windows, was in real trouble as he lay prone on the grass during the 38-11 win in Melbourne on Friday night.
Blues star Rieko Ioane was left dazed after a head clash just before half-time in the round 11 match against the Melbourne Rebels.
Blues star Rieko Ioane was left dazed after a head clash just before half-time in the round 11 match against the Melbourne Rebels.
Ioane struck the hip of Rebels flanker Josh Kemeny as he zeroed in for a tackle prior to halftime, and was immediately in strife and had required assistance for several minutes by medical staff before he was able to depart.
The unavailability of Ioane means there will be no match-up against the in-form Billy Proctor, who has been one of the rocks of the Hurricanes' backline this season.
Source: Stuff.co
