Thorn forced out of season-defining clash

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Brad Thorn has been scratched from the Crusaders' tight-five for Saturday's clash against the Blues.

Thorn was initially named to start at lock in the week 14 Rebel Sport Super 14 clash at Eden Park.

However, he has since become a confirmed non-starter, with Michael Paterson being called up from the bench to replace him in the run-on 15.

The Crusaders must win to keep alive their title defence.

Thorn injured a hamstring in last weekend's win over the Reds.

While he has now been ruled out of Saturday's crunch match, fellow All Black locking hopeful Isaac Ross has been cleared to play.

Ross injured a knee against the Reds.

Coach Todd Blackadder has also bracketed loose forward George Whitelock on the reserves bench.

Whitelock has been bracketed on the reserves bench with Jonathan Poff for the match at Eden Park.

He has been sidelined since injuring a knee as the Crusaders prepared to play the Sharks in the first match of their successful South African tour.

He has not played since April 3.

"It's great to have George back in the frame for us," Blackadder said.

"He had been playing very well until his injury but the way Jonathan stepped in has been magnificent.

"He travelled to South Africa by himself and played the full 80 minutes during our win over the Lions at altitude in Johannesburg without a lot of rugby under his belt.

"A few of the guys took some knocks against the Reds but we've managed their workload during the week and it's pleasing to be able to name an unchanged starting line-up against the Blues.

"We are preparing for a big challenge against the Blues. They are tough to beat at Eden Park and will have one or two points to prove on Saturday night."

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Adam Whitelock, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Michael Paterson, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Dan Perrin, Bronson Murray, Ross Filipo, George Whitelock/Jonathan Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Sean Maitland, Hamish Gard.