Rugby: Laulala ruled out with shoulder injury

Crusaders centre Casey Laulala has been ruled out of Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Highlanders at Dunedin with a shoulder injury.

Laulala, who scored four tries in the first three rounds of the competition, injured his right shoulder in the match against the Hurricanes last weekend and will be replaced by Adam Whitelock.

Fullback Leon MacDonald has also failed a fitness test on the shoulder he injured in the first-round victory over the Chiefs.

Coach Todd Blackadder also had to bracket prop Ben Franks (foot injury) with Bronson Murray and halfback Andy Ellis (sprained ankle) with Kahn Fotuali'i when he named his side today.

Tasman wing Blair Cook, 25, will earn his first Crusaders cap on the left flank as a replacement for Kade Poki, who sprained an ankle against the Hurricanes last weekend.

Hamish Gard comes on to the bench as cover for the backs.

CRUSADERS

Stephen Brett, Jared Payne, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Blair Cook, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotualib'i, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Ben Franks/Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett.

RESERVES

Dan Perrin, Bronson Murray/Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i/Tyson Keats, Ryan Crotty, Hamish Gard.

- NZPA