Defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders’ injury toll continues to increase after two of their All Blacks players Sevu Reece and veteran lock Sam Whitelock were struck by injuries earlier this week.
The two players join fellow All Blacks backs David Havili, Will Jordan, and Jack Goodhue on the sidelines after four rounds of Super Rugby, while hat-trick hero Leicester Fainga’anuku revealed he played the game with a damaged rib cartilage.
Reece received medical attention during their match against the Blues last week and was forced from the field early in the second half without returning to action.
Whitelock suffered a broken hand and will potentially spend the next couple of months on the sidelines.
Youngsters Macca Springer, Chay Fihaki, and former Blues winger Melani Nanai are expected to step in and fill the void.
The Crusaders will take on the Brumbies at 6.05pm Friday.
Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Highlanders at 3.35pm Saturday.
In other matches this week, the Waratahs play the Chiefs at 8.35pm Friday, Moana Pasifika takes on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Saturday, the Rebels play the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday while the Blues play the Force at 2.35pm Sunday.
