Richie McCaw to miss Crusaders' clash with Hurricanes due to head knock

Crusaders star Richie McCaw will miss Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes because of a head injury.

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The 34-year-old All Blacks captain was knocked unconscious by a knee to the temple during last week's match against the Auckland Blues and, although he has recovered well, will not be risked.

"He was a little bit blurry and felt a little bit off, so it's best not to risk him," said Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.

"He just got his head on the wrong side and just got kneed in the temple. Even after the game he was really chipper and was fine, and even today, he was 100 percent, but it's just not worth risking him.

"All signs are pretty positive. Hopefully, he's back for next week."

In McCaw's absence, Matt Todd is likely to deputise at flanker while McCaw's All Blacks colleague, full-back Israel Dagg, is also ruled out of the game.

Watch Hurricanes v Crusaders live on Sky Sports 3 on Saturday from 2.30pm