Havili & Blackadder ruled out for the season

The Crusaders will have to continue their aimed unbeaten run in Super Rugby Aotearoa without the services of vice-captain David Havili and flanker Ethan Blackadder, who have both been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

🚑 UPDATE | The @crusadersrugby have confirmed vice-Captain David Havili & flanker Ethan Blackadder will miss the remainder of Investec #SuperRugbyAotearoa through injury.

All the best for your recovery guys! pic.twitter.com/oEcNlOzzyt

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) July 20, 2020

All Black Havili's season is being brought to an end by a fractured thumb he sustained against the Blues on July 11. The 25-year-old recently overcame an emergency bowel surgery earlier this year and it’s yet to be determined if he needs to go under the knife, assistant coach Jason Ryan confirmed.

Joining the All Black on the sidelines is Ethan Blackadder, who sits out the season thanks to a knee surgery he had performed on Monday.

''Blackadder’s meniscus was just locking up, he just needed a tidy up. Pretty basic surgery, so he's had it and is in recovery now,’’ Ryan said.

“It's a shame for them. They have both got a lot of respect in the group and were both looking forward to this next block, but it's been taken from them. But that's the game.’’

Havili and Blackadder join skipper Scott Barrett (foot) and Cullen Grace on the sideline, with Crusaders' next clash being against Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday night.

“We're going to be tested now with our depth, but we trust everyone, and we back everyone to do a job,’’ Ryan concluded.