McCaw, Filipo to miss out for Crusaders

Richie McCaw during Friday's surprise draw with the force. Paul Kane / Getty Images

Richie McCaw is not likely to feature for the Crusaders against the Stormers next weekend.

Assistant coach Vern Cotter says McCaw came away pretty battered from their draw with the Western Force on Friday, leaving the field with a cut above his eye.

But he said the main reason McCaw will sit out the match is that South African teams tend to target the flanker, and the Crusaders would like to deprive the Stormers of that opportunity.

Lock Ross Filipo is also in doubt for the clash in Cape Town after he suffered a groin strain on Friday.

Filipo left the field early in the second half and will be assessed midweek.

Fellow lock Kevin O'Neill suffered a cut above the eyes but is expected to return this week.

The Crusaders remain at the top of the standings despite Friday's shock result.

They complete their South African trip at the Bulls in Pretoria on May 6 before returning home to play the Brumbies in Christchurch in the final week.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD ONLINE STAFF