As it happened: Highlanders v Crusaders

David Havili of the Crusaders looks to break the Highlanders defence. Photo / Getty

All the action from the Highlanders' victory over the Crusaders in the Super Rugby derby clash.

The Crusaders have suffered a major blow ahead of their Super Rugby derby against the Highlanders.

Captain Sam Whitelock has been ruled out after developing minor concussion symptoms yesterday. Whitelock exited the field early against the Hurricanes after failing a head injury assessment test, and despite initially recovering well, he now cannot complete the Post-Concussion Return to Play process.

They have a handy replacement to call upon, with Luke Romano now starting alongside Scott Barrett, and Quinten Strange being brought on to the bench. Matt Todd will now captain the side.

The Crusaders were already without Ryan Crotty, who was also ruled out due to a concussion sustained against the Hurricanes.

There is also a change on the bench, with first-five Mike Delany ruled out after jarring his knee at training, with Brett Cameron coming onto the bench as his replacement.

Robertson said his squad were looking forward to taking on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

"We love these derby games against our neighbours in Dunedin.

"The boys have prepared well, they're really clear and looking forward to what is going to be a great battle on Saturday night," he said.

The defending champions opened this season's campaign with solid wins over the Chiefs and the Stormers before falling to the Hurricanes in Wellington last week.

They sit second in the New Zealand conference, on the same points as the Canes, with the Highlanders just a point back in third.