Rugby: SBW out of Hurricanes clash

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders' second five-eighths Sonny Bill Williams will not face his All Blacks rival Ma'a Nonu after a hip injury ruled him out of the Super 15 rugby match in Wellington on Saturday night.

The inclusion of Ryan Crotty in the absence of Williams, who suffered bruising and a tear to his hip area after a tackle by Blues' opposite Benson Stanley last Saturday, is the only change to the side that won 23-16 in Timaru.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said they were looking for an improved performance at Westpac Stadium which is effectively a home match for them.

"Our performance will be critical for us in this match. We were happy with the victory over the Blues last weekend but didn't finish off a few opportunities and we'll be looking to put that right against the Hurricanes," he said.

Tu Umaga-Marshall is on the reserves bench as outside backs cover while Richie McCaw (foot), Israel Dagg (thigh), Sean Maitland (foot), Kahn Fotuali'i (knee) and Adam Whitelock (chest muscle) were not considered for selection.

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Brent Ward, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz, Mat Berquist, Tu Umaga-Marshall.

- NZPA