Crusaders team v Highlanders

Laulala ruled out with shoulder injury

Crusaders centre Casey Laulala has been ruled out of Saturday night’s Rebel Sport Super 14 match against the Highlanders at Carisbrook due to a shoulder injury.

Laulala, who has scored four tries in the first three rounds of the competition, injured his right shoulder in the match against the Hurricanes last weekend. He will be replaced by Adam Whitelock.

Fullback Leon MacDonald has also failed a fitness test on his shoulder which he injured in the first-round victory over the Chiefs. Stephen Brett, who has worn the No15 jersey against the Brumbies and the Hurricanes, will again wear it against the Highlanders.

Prop Ben Franks (foot) has been bracketed with Bronson Murray and halfback Andy Ellis (sprained ankle) has been bracketed with Kahn Fotuali’i.

Tasman wing Blair Cook, 25, will earn his first Crusaders cap when coming on to the left flank as a replacement for Kade Poki, who sprained an ankle against the Hurricanes last weekend.

Hamish Gard comes on to the bench as cover for the backs.

The Crusaders team to play the Highlanders at 7.35pm on Saturday, March 7, at Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin, is as follows:

1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Ben Franks / Bronson Murray
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ross Filipo
6. Kieran Read
7. Richie McCaw (Capt)
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Andy Ellis / Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Colin Slade
11. Blair Cook
12. Tim Bateman
13. Adam Whitelock
14. Jared Payne
15. Stephen Brett
16. Dan Perrin
17. Bronson Murray / Owen Franks
18. Isaac Ross
19. George Whitelock
20. Kahn Fotuali’i / Tyson Keats
21. Ryan Crotty
22. Hamish Gard