Crusaders lose Nadolo and Moody for Lions Super Rugby playoff

Nemani Nadolo will miss the quarter-final game against the Lions. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders will be without test pair Nemani Nadolo and Joe Moody for their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Lions but there is better news for other ailing players.

The Crusaders must travel to Johannesburg to face the Lions after picking up the third and final wildcard spot in the Australasian group following a 35-10 home loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Victory would have put the seven-time champion Crusaders on top of the table.

Instead they must beat the African group champions on Saturday and then win a semi-final somewhere on the road if they are to have any chance of snaring an eighth title.

Bulldozing Fijian winger Nadolo won't be on the plane on Monday after pulling a hamstring against the Hurricanes.

All Blacks prop Moody also remains out with nerve damage to his neck, having missed the last two games.

There is more positive news for lock Sam Whitelock (illness) and halfback Andy Ellis (calf), after the experienced pair were both late scratchings on Saturday.

Both will travel to South Africa, along with winger Johnny McNicholl, who left the game with a dislocated finger.

Also a boost for the Crusaders is their 43-37 win over the Lions when the teams met at Ellis Park in April.

- AAP