The Crusaders are to give scrum-half Andy Ellis every opportunity to be fit for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Reds in Brisbane.
All Blacks No.9 a doubt due to knee and shoulder injuries
The Crusaders are to give scrum-half Andy Ellis every opportunity to be fit for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Reds in Brisbane.
The All Blacks No.9 suffered bruising to both his knee and shoulder in the 29-10 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
Ellis will now have a late fitness test on his availability, with Kahn Fotuali'i on standby to start and Willi Heinz set to bench should he be ruled out.
Lock Luke Romano is expected to be fit to start on the bench after suffering from chicken pox, although Chris Jack has been included as cover.
"We've had a good week here in Brisbane and the players look full of energy," said coach Todd Blackadder.
"It's going to be a great occasion and we know there will be a lot of Crusaders fans at the ground cheering us on."
Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano/Chris Jack, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i/Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Ryan Crotty.
