The Crusaders were dealt a cruel blow on the eve of their Super 14 crunch match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.

Inspirational captain Richie McCaw has been ruled out of the encounter at altitude against the unpredictable Lions through concussion.

The Crusaders team management confirmed on Wednesday that McCaw suffered the head knock in his team's 13-20 loss to the Cheetahs last week.

Tasman's Jonathon Poff will get his first Super 14 start in the No.7 jersey.

It is the second time this season that McCaw has been ruled out through injury - having missed six weeks with a knee injury, returning just in time for the 16-13 win over the Sharks a fortnight ago.

Wing Kade Poki has also been ruled out of Friday's game due to a haematoma behind a knee, suffered in the same match. Hamish Gard comes on to the bench as a replacement.

However, the loss of McCaw has been offset by the return of Isaac Ross, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis and Leon MacDonald - after they were rested for the Cheetahs encounter.

Tighthead prop Owen Franks retains his spot ahead of Bronson Murray.

Blackadder has also handed the kicking duties to MacDonald ahead of flyhalf Stephen Brett and Colin Slade.

The Crusaders, currently eighth in the standings, need big wins from their remaining three league games - against the Lions, Reds and Blues - to keep alive hopes of retaining their title.

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Colin Slade, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Ross Filipo, 19 Michael Paterson, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Hamish Gard.

Date: Friday, May 1
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Willie Roos (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

365

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