Illness likely to put Weepu out of key match

The Hurricanes are likely to miss Piri Weepu for their Super 14 rugby showdown with the Crusaders on Saturday after the All Blacks halfback was struck down by a mystery fever yesterday which required him to be hospitalised.

Weepu's uncle, Earl Va'a, said last night the 22-year-old had improved throughout yesterday and was sitting up and talking by the evening.

But he was unsure if Weepu, who stayed overnight in Wellington Hospital, would be fit to play against the Crusaders.

"I don't fancy his chances but he's the kind of guy who would play with pneumonia."

The illness, which developed overnight, forced Weepu to miss Hurricanes training yesterday.

"We are as yet unsure of the nature of Piri's condition, other than he has a fever," Hurricanes team manager Garry Carnachan said.

"He is currently at Wellington Hospital in order for his condition to be further monitored.

"The team was in a 'holding pattern' until they had more idea of what was wrong."

Brendan Haami is expected to start at halfback if Weepu is ruled out from the matchup between the competition's two leading teams.

Danny Lee will come on to the bench.

- NZPA