The Canterbury Crusaders have drafted a second replacement hooker into their Super 12 rugby squad to cover for injured regulars Mark Hammett and Matt Sexton in the lead-up to Saturday's key clash with the Chiefs.
Front-rower Sean Cuttance, who has played 13 NPC games for Canterbury, has been called up to join Taranaki's Andrew Hore, who became part of the squad on Monday.
Crusaders coaches Robbie Deans and Steve Hansen have opted to enlist specialist hookers rather than rely on prop Con Barrell, who was on the bench as cover for Sexton against the Blues last Friday.
"We did that thinking it would only be a short-term measure, but the injuries have turned out to be more challenging than first anticipated," Deans said.
The Crusaders, under pressure as defending champions after losing their first two games of the year, will name their team after a final training session on Friday.
Hammett, who played 51 consecutive Super 12 games but has not appeared in the competition this year, has a shoulder problem and is "less likely" to be available for Saturday than Sexton, who hurt a knee against the Blues.
But there has been better news for Deans and Hansen.
All Blacks lock Norm Maxwell, who has been on the sideline so far this season while being treated for leg muscle imbalances, trained yesterday and did some contact work.
"He's looking more likely for Saturday's game than the hookers," Deans said.
Injured first five-eighths Andrew Mehrtens also took part in training yesterday, but will have to get through another couple of sessions before being considered for the team to play the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says video footage of an incident in which Crusaders lock Chris Jack was hit from behind by an Auckland Blues forward appeared to be inconclusive.
The Crusaders were dismayed when referee Paul Honiss took no action against the offender. He instead penalised Crusaders prop Greg Feek for retaliating against Blues lock Troy Flavell. Carlos Spencer kicked the penalty to give the Blues a vital three points in a game they eventually won 17-12.
- NZPA
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/results
Pressed Crusaders opt for specialists
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