All Black trio set to miss Lions clash

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has given Scott Barrett and Matt Todd an extended break following the Crusaders bye in round 10.

The pair will take their second - and final - All Blacks rest week, meaning the Crusaders will be without two more first choice forwards against the Lions in Christchurch on Friday.

Veteran tighthead prop Owen Franks has already been ruled out of the rematch of the last two Super Rugby finals due to a shoulder injury.

The Crusaders will be near full strength despite the All Black trio missing out with Codie Taylor and Goerge Bridge expected to return against the Lions, who started their tour to New Zealand with an upset against the Chiefs in round 10 after losing to the Brumbies in Australia in round 9.

Taylor and Bridge took part in the team's extended training session at Rugby Park on Monday and assistant coach Brad Mooar confirmed they were good to go. 

Taylor missed the team's previous two games with a calf niggle, while Bridge hasn't been sighted since injuring his knee/hamstring against the Waratahs in round six. 

Via: Stuff.co.nz