The embattled Crusaders have suffered a late blow leading into Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific showdown with the Highlanders.
Talismanic skipper Scott Barrett has been scratched from the starting side for the southern derby at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium as a precautionary measure due to a back issue.
Last weekend against the Reds, in his second game back from a broken hand finger, he lasted only 13 minutes, before being forced to leave the field with back spasms.
On Wednesday, he was named as the starting lock, but will be replaced by Jamie Hannah, with the defending champions preferring to give him another week of rest, before their crucial home stretch. Tasman's Antonio Shalfoon joins the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut.
The Crusaders are currently four points adrift of the playoff seeds, with games against the Highlanders, Brumbies and Blues remaining.
Join Newshub at 7pm for live updates of the Highlanders v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific clash
