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The Crusaders are hedging their bets ahead of Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the Hurricanes in Christchurch, bracketing three doubtful All Blacks when naming their team today.
Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Andy Ellis have all been named subject to fitness tests, with the captain and halfback potentially the most at risk of missing the third round match at AMI Stadium.
McCaw missed the 16-18 loss to the ACT Brumbies in Canberra after suffering a head knock during the opening round victory over the Chiefs while Ellis limped off with a sprained ankle.
Lock Thorn also missed the trip to Canberra with a sore heel.
Uncertainty over the trio has led to the naming in an enlarged team, with Michael Paterson named on the bench as cover for both the second low and loose forwards.
The Crusaders are definitely without All Blacks Leon MacDonald and Corey Flynn.
MacDonald is still recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained in the first round defeat of the Chiefs while hooker Flynn is out for the season after fracturing his left arm against the Brumbies.
With Flynn's understudy Ti'i Paulo also unavailable this campaign with a neck injury, Southland's Jason Macdonald becomes the first choice hooker.
He will be backed up by a member of the Crusaders' wider training group, Tasman's Daniel Perrin.
Injuries notwithstanding, Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has kept faith in the line-up that almost prevailed in Canberra despite being outgunned in terms of territory and possession in the final quarter.
Crusaders
Stephen Brett, Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i/Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock/Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross/Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson/ Ross, Nasi Manu/Whitelock/Paterson, Tyson Keats/Fotuali'i, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock.
- NZPA
