Jerry Collins. Photo / Reuters
Jerry Collins could miss the remainder of the Super 14, but the bruising blindside is expected to be fit for All Black duty.
The 26-year-old was released from hospital yesterday morning after extensive examinations found no significant damage to his neck.
Collins was stretchered off Jade Stadium after
46 minutes on Friday night when he damaged his neck in a double tackle on Crusaders midfielder Rua Tipoki.
The 38-cap All Black lay prone, with one foot twitching - raising fears he might have sustained a bad injury. However, he was walking around freely yesterday without too much discomfort.
He will definitely not play this weekend and, as the Hurricanes are out of play-off contention, he may skip their last game.
A Hurricanes spokesperson said the injury was unlikely to prevent Collins from missing any more football than that.
However, after the Crusaders 23-13 win in a physical, bruising contest, the Hurricanes are out on their ear, ruling out a fairytale ending for Tana Umaga. The former All Black skipper has slugged away for 12 seasons and will end his Super career with only one final appearance.
The other conclusion is that All Black judgement day draws closer and Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are running out of time.
Nonu ended up in the bin for repeated non-use of his arms in the tackle. The selectors will not have been overjoyed to see these old failings return after working so hard to improve his technique.
As for Smith, he looks short of confidence and sharpness after missing a fair chunk of the early season.
The match was classic Crusaders, winning the game without ever really revving their engine too hard. They had it up front and they defended supremely well.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw said: "The breakdowns were fairly messy and that was mainly because we were tackling pretty hard and flying numbers in, so it was hard to get a roll on..."
Crusaders 23 (C. Flynn, R. Filipo, tries; D. Carter 3 pen, 2 con)
Hurricanes 13 (M. Nonu, try; P. Weepu 2 pen 1 con). Halftime: 17-13
