Blackadder and Papalii in doubt for Ireland series
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All Blacks' Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papalii look set to miss New Zealand's three-test series against Ireland next month due to injuries.
Blackadder suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of his side's 37-15 victory at Orangetheory Stadium, while fellow loose forward Papalii had his appendix removed.
"He's (Blackadder) unlikely to be involved for the rest of the season for us, and hopefully it's not an operation that's required," said Crusader head coach Scott Robertson.
"He will definitely have scans. It was pretty sore, as you can see. He's holding it up."
Blackadder was named as the Crusaders' player of the year last month, with his impact on the team appreciated by his coach.
"He's our player of the year - voted by the players and the coaches. He's been one of the form loose forwards in the comp.
"We really feel for him. There's not many in this organisation that's worked harder for the opportunity to play in these finals."
Papalii, meanwhile, was a late scratching from the Auckland Blues' Super Rugby victory over the Otago Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday.
"After developing symptoms, he had an operation to remove his appendix on Friday," the Blues said in a statement. "The procedure was uncomplicated and he is recovering well although it is too early to forecast when he will return to play."
New Zealand are due to face Ireland in Auckland in the first test on July 2nd before the teams meet again in Dunedin a week later. The final meeting will be played in Christchurch on July 16th.
