Rugby: Alfeld promoted as cover for Ellis

Canterbury under-21 halfback Steve Alfeld has been elevated from the Crusaders wider training group into the full squad as cover for the injured Andrew Ellis.

All Black Ellis sustained an ankle sprain in a pre-season match against the Hurricanes in Motueka on Friday which may rule him out until mid-March, when the Cursaders return from their Super 14 matches in South Africa and Australia.

Although he has yet to appear for Canterbury at Air New Zealand Cup level, the highly promising Alfeld was a key man for the unbeaten under-21 side last year.

He scored the Crusaders first try against the Hurricanes on Friday in his first appearance for the franchise.

Kahn Fotuali'i is the other halfback in the squad while Tasman No 9 Lualua Vailoaloa has been called into the wider training squad.

All three players will travel with the squad this week for two-match pre-season tour of Austrlia.

- NZPA