Knee diagnosis dashes hopes of star Crusaders halfback

Andy Ellis

Injury has ruled Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis out of the Super 14 final against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday.

Ellis was told the bad news yesterday afternoon after sustaining a knee injury in his team's 35-15 semifinal win over the Bulls in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans had earlier said he would give Ellis, who has impressed hugely in his first season of Super rugby, every chance to make the match 22.

But hours later, Crusaders doctor Deb Robinson confirmed the halfback had torn a medial ligament in his right knee and would be in a brace for six weeks before he could return to training.

It will be a huge disappointment for Ellis, 22, who has been widely tipped as a contender for the expanded All Blacks squad being named on Sunday.

Robinson's prognosis would not have caught Deans by surprise, with the coach earlier admitting the prospects of a berth in the final were not at all bright for Ellis, whose slick passing and attacking skills have seen him gain the inside running over fellow halfback Kevin Senio at various stages this season.

Deans said Ellis had been "talking up his prospects of playing" and had a "hugely positive" attitude which would certainly help his recovery.

"That's a reflection of Andrew," Deans said.

"He's a really positive character and you can see that in the way he plays the game."

Senio is now certain to be in the starting XV when the Crusaders name their team on Thursday.

Who will provide the back-up is a much more complicated question.

Deans said his "contingency plans" included first five-eighths Dan Carter as a "possibility" as the back-up halfback should Senio himself be injured during the final, with wider Crusaders squad member Matt France an option for the reserves.

"We'll make the choice at the time but we won't be going outside our group," Deans said.

All his other players were fit and available for the final.

He expected nothing less than a tough physical encounter on Saturday and believed solid preparation was the key for his side's title ambitions.

"There's no doubt they'll look to attack and they'll attack where they believe they've got the best chance of succeeding. We've just got to be up for whatever they throw at us."

The Hurricanes were strong at the breakdown and accuracy there was a big challenge for the Crusaders.

South African Jonathan Kaplan has been confirmed as referee with countrymen Craig Joubert and Tappe Henning touch judges.

- NZPA