Kieran Read's rib injury isn't considered too serious by the Crusaders but he is likely to be rested for the final round-robin match against the Force in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images.
Kieran Read's rib injury isn't considered too serious by the Crusaders but he is likely to be rested for the final round-robin match against the Force in Christchurch.
The All Blacks' No8 was outstanding for the Crusaders after his absence in the defeat by the Hurricanes the previous week due
to concussion. He scored the first try in the 28-21 victory in Hamilton and his ball-carrying and work in winning back the ball from re-starts made him, alongside the returning Dan Carter, a key individual for Todd Blackadder's men.
Read went off on the hour mark at Waikato Stadium and will have a scan on his ribs this week. But even if he is cleared of serious injury, he is likely to be rested against a Force team which looked very ordinary in losing 32-9 to the Blues at Eden Park last night.
The Crusaders, fourth on the table, need only beat the Force, 14th, to hold their position as the leading wildcard team in the playoffs. If so, they will host a qualifier match the following weekend.
With Read out of the mix, Blackadder has decisions to make as to his replacement.
