Rugby: Collins to miss Crusaders match

Justin Collins. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Despite coming through training yesterday, Blues veteran Justin Collins later suffered headaches and the call has been made to pull him from the Blues' final game in the Super 14 competition.

"It's tough on Justin. He is such a key figure and leader in our team and he desperately wanted to help his team-mates take on the Crusaders tomorrow night at Eden Park," said Blues coach Pat Lam.

"But with these ongoing symptoms it's just not worth risking him out on the field."

Collins, who has played 103 Super Rugby games, suffered a concussion in the Blues' match against the Reds late last month and has battled to come right since.

Peter Saili will move into the No.6 jersey and newcomer Andrew van der Heijden will slot onto the bench.

TEAMS

BLUES:

Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Chris Smylie, Jerome Kaino, Tom Chamberlain, Peter Saili, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves:

Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Dean Budd, Andrew van der Heijden, Grayson Hart, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams.

CRUSADERS:

Leon MacDonald, Jared Payne, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Stephen Brett, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Owen Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Ross Filipo, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i, Sean Maitland, Hamish Gard.

* Blues v Crusaders, Auckland, 7.35pm Saturday

- AGENCIES