Read injury blow for Crusaders

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 21: Kieran Read of the Crusaders scores a try in the tackle of Andre Taylor of the Hurricanes during the round nine Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium on April 21, 2012 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 21: Kieran Read of the Crusaders scores a try in the tackle of Andre Taylor of the Hurricanes during the round nine Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium on April 21, 2012 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Published Jul 18, 2012

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CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Canterbury backrower Kieran Read will miss Saturday's Super 15 playoff game against the Pretoria-based Bulls because of a rib injury.

Read missed the Crusaders' final regular season match against the Western Force with the same injury last weekend and has yet to recover full fitness.

Canterbury has made three changes to its lineup: Wyatt Crockett was chosen at loosehead prop ahead of Ben Franks and Sam Whitelock at lock ahead of Tom Donnelly. Franks and Donnelly both move to the reserves bench.

Adam Whitelock moves from center to wing, allowing Robbie Fruean to return in midfield.

The winner of the match between the seven-time champion Crusaders and three-time champion Bulls will progress to the tournament semifinals. – Sapa-AP

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