Super Rugby
Crusaders to face Chiefs without Read
ESPN Staff
July 23, 2012
Kieran Read will miss the semi-final with the Chiefs © PA Photos
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The Crusaders will have to cope without star No.8 Kieran Read when they face the Chiefs on Friday after the back-row ruled himself out of contention.

The All Blacks back-row injured his ribs during the Crusaders' clash with the Chiefs back on July 6 and has been sidelined ever since. Read said of the injury: "They're not quite right.

"I've got a wee crack in one of them, which is just keeping me out at the moment, and I've got to look after it."

With Read ruled out, it looks likely that Richie McCaw will remain at No.8 with Matt Todd and George Whitelock on the flanks. Read hopes to be fit for the final if the Crusaders get that far and regardless of whether they progress, the All Blacks will hope to have him fit and firing for the Rugby Championship.

In related news, Bulls winger Bjorn Basson faces six weeks out after suffering a lacerated small intestine.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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