Crusaders captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out of tonight’s southern derby clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin due to a back issue.
The 69-test All Black lock, who was sidelined 13 minutes into last weekend’s game against the Reds because of back spasms, will miss this match as a precautionary measure.
In Barrett’s absence Jamie Hannah moves from the bench to the second row, while Antonio Shalfoon is set to potentially make his Super Rugby Pacific debut by joining the bench. Meanwhile Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams return to the starting lineup, with Taylor coming back from a well-deserved break and Williams recovering from an injury sustained in the season opener.
Barrett’s absence is a big setback for the Crusaders, who are currently in 10th place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder. With the defending champions not having lost in Dunedin since 2018, another defeat would place them in a must-win scenario for their remaining fixtures.
The Highlanders enter the derby after back-to-back wins over the Force and Moana Pasifika, finally breaking a six-match losing streak.
