Hamilton, Ralph pass fitness tests

Scott Hamilton and Caleb Ralph.

Crusaders winger Scott Hamilton passed a fitness test this morning and will travel to Brisbane today with the team for tomorrow night's Super 14 rugby clash with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Hamilton, who received a knock to the head in last week's 38-15 defeat of the Highlanders, had been having headaches this week and was left out of the team named yesterday by coach Robbie Deans.

Crusaders spokeswoman Joanne Perry said today that Hamilton was fine this morning and would travel with the team this afternoon.

His replacement, Caleb Ralph, also passed a fitness test this morning after worries about a tight quadricep muscle in his right leg yesterday.

Perry said Ralph would undergo another fitness test in Brisbane tomorrow. If he was unfit to play what would be his 100 Super 14 game, Ralph's place on the left wing will be taken by Hamilton.

"They're just going to take Scott for some cover there," Perry said.

"At this stage the 22 named yesterday still stands."

Deans said yesterday it was "very likely" the Crusaders full bench would be used in the heat of Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.

- NZPA