All Blacks and Crusaders prop Owen Franks will remain on the sidelines for another month due to ongoing issues with his shoulder.

Franks has been sidelined for the Crusaders since their win over the Brumbies at the start of this month but the club is confident he'll be back in time for the final rounds of the regular season.

TVNZ reports the Crusaders have also confirmed they will rest fellow All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty for Friday's clash with the Sharks in Christchurch as part of the mandatory rest programme players have in the build‑up to the World Cup.

The Crusaders will face the Sharks at 7.35pm Friday.

[TVNZ]

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