McCaw ruled out of Stormers match -OH NO!!!!!!

McCaw ruled out of Stormers match

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw is a late withdrawal from the Investec Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Cape Town due to a concussion injury.

McCaw took a knock to the head in the match against the Western Force in Perth last weekend. He had had a few headaches during the week, though they had lessened as the week went on.

But it was decided early this morning SA time that McCaw would not take part in the match at Newlands.

Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder said McCaw would be monitored in line with head injury protocols but was likely to be available for next weekend’s match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Matt Todd will play at openside flanker in McCaw’s place. Jonathan Poff comes on to the reserves bench.

Returning No8 Kieran Read will captain the side.

The Crusaders team to play the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, May 7, kick-off 5pm (NZ time: Sunday, May 8, kick-off 3am), is:

1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn
3. Owen Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Chris Jack
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd
8. Kieran Read (c)
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Matt Berquist
11. Zac Guildford
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Sean Maitland
15. Israel Dagg

16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Andrew Olorenshaw
18. Joe Wheeler
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Willi Heinz
21. Adam Whitelock
22. Tom Marshall