Rugby: Thorn ruled out of Blues clash

A hamstring strain has ruled Crusaders lock Brad Thorn out of the game against the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

An injury suffered at training today by Brad Thorn has forced the Crusaders to make a late change to their starting 15 for a crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder had named an unchanged team from who had easily beaten the Queensland Reds last Friday before Thorn's injury forced him to call up Michael Paterson from the reserves and add Ross Filipo to the bench.

"He came off after 25 minutes against the Reds last week with a tight hamstring," Blackadder said of Thorn.

"It wasn't pulled which is a good sign but today he said he wasn't quite right. He went to run on to a ball and it tightened up again.

"Obviously Brad is a big loss to the side because he's been big and powerful and direct which was exactly what we needed.

"But at least we can make the early call and give the other guys time to prepare well."

Blackadder said Thorn's situation would be reviewed if the Crusaders beat the Blues and qualified for the semifinals.

"He will have a medical assessment before we leave on Friday and also on Sunday when we get back from Auckland. If we're in the top four and if we're heading to South Africa it becomes a big-case scenario."

Blackadder resisted the temptation to replace Thorn with another All Black, the more rugged and more experienced Filipo.

"Michael Paterson will start in the No 4 jersey. Pato (Paterson) has worked really hard and he's been playing really well."

The only other change to the Crusaders is in the reserves where openside flanker George Whitelock, who has recovered from key-hole knee surgery, takes the place of Jonathan Poff.

"Poffy has played really well and it was a big call but George had been also (before the injury). It was one the hardest calls of the season."

Blackadder said he expected the Blues to place a strong emphasis on the breakdown, an area where they have had success previously against the Crusaders.

"They'll be really physical and direct and they'll be desperate and that makes them dangerous.

"But we're just as desperate and we want to go out there and play really well. We have a good rivalry and we're stimulated and looking forward to the game.

"Even though they are out of contention the Blues are a good side. We respect them and we know what they're capable of.

"They're a proud side with a lot of experience and a lot of expectations."

Crusaders
Leon MacDonald, Jared Payne, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Stephen Brett, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Owen Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Ross Filipo, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i, Sean Maitland, Hamish Gard.

- NZPA