Injury knocks Poki's hopes for new season

Kade Poki's hopes of nailing down regular starts this season have suffered a major setback, with the wing nursing a knee injury that could rule him out for six weeks.

The 22-year-old damaged a medial ligament during the Crusaders' 21-12 win over the Blues in their pre-season match in Motueka last Thursday night and medical staff have indicated he will be sidelined for between four to six weeks.

After an impressive debut season in 2008, when he was awarded with 10 starts and added another appearance as a substitute under former boss Robbie Deans, Poki was hampered by injury last year and played in just four matches. He would have been eager to impress coach Todd Blackadder in his fight to gain regular starts.

Now Blackadder, depending on who he runs at fullback, will look to use either Jared Payne, Colin Slade or Sean Maitland to partner All Black Zac Guildford out wide as he prepares for Saturday night's Super 14 opener against the Highlanders at AMI Stadium.

Both capable fullbacks, Slade and Payne will be considered as replacements for the departed Leon MacDonald before Blackadder assesses his wing options. Guildford appears certain to start on one wing.

Maitland skipped the Blues match with a hip injury, but it is hoped he will be able to stretch out at training this week. Other injured players that missed that match are midfielders Tim Bateman (foot), Ryan Crotty (concussion), pivot Daniel Bowden (head knock), halfback Kahn Fotuali'i (upper arm haematoma) and prop Wyatt Crockett (ankle).

All will be assessed on whether they will be available for the side released on Thursday.

If second five-eighths Bateman and Crotty are ruled out, Adam Whitelock, who partnered newcomer Robert Fruean in the midfield against the Blues and also played on the wing last year, is expected to wear the No 12 jersey.

Hooker Corey Flynn's high ankle sprain will rule him out of this weekend's match and Ti'i Paulo is expected to make his first appearance for the Crusaders since the 2008 final.

- © Fairfax NZ News