Already without captain Sam Whitelock, and All Blacks skipper Kieran Read, for the first four rounds of their title defence, Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson today confirmed hooker Codie Taylor was also set for an extended breather.
Under instruction from All Blacks management, Taylor will miss the Crusaders' season‑opener against the Blues at Eden Park on the 16th of next month, followed by their home‑opener against the Hurricanes in Christchurch the following week.
Other All Blacks players who are on the two weeks prescribed rest during the Super Rugby season include Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, TJ Perenara, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea and Dane Coles.
The Crusaders will take on the Hurricanes in a pre-season match at 2pm this Saturday.
[Source: stuff.co.nz]
