All Blacks captain Kieran Read is having an operation to repair the thumb he broke during the Crusaders' emphatic 48‑21 win over the Cheetahs.
Now unbeaten after nine games, the Crusaders, who ran in seven tries to secure the bonus point as they swamped the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, remain at the top of the Super Rugby competition table.
In other matches last night, the Chiefs edged the Sunwolves 27-20, the Waratahs beat the Reds 29-26, the Lions defeated the Force 24-15, the Kings thrashed the Rebels 35-3, on Friday night the Highlanders defeated the Stormers 57-14.
The Sharks are currently playing the Jaguares, while the Blues meet the Brumbies at 6.05 tonight.
