Rugby: Ellis out of Bulls match

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis will not start in Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls in Christchurch.

Ellis had x-rays yesterday after hurting his ribs in Saturday's 11-7 defeat of the Stormers.

Team management said the x-ray showed no new fractures and revealed that previous injuries, picked up in July while playing for Canterbury and November while playing for the All Blacks in Britain, were well-healed.

However, Ellis will not play against the fourth-placed Bulls with his place likely to be filled by Kahn Fotuali'i, who replaced Ellis at halftime on Saturday night. The Bulls suffered the first loss of their campaign on Saturday - 36-12 to the Highlanders.

The Crusaders team to play the Bulls will be announced tomorrow.

- NZPA