Whitelock and Crotty cleared to tour SA and Argentina

Ryan Crotty and Sam Whitelock have been cleared to travel with the Crusaders to South Africa and Argentina.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson replaced midfielder Crotty and lock Whitelock in the latter stages of their 33-14 bonus-point win over the Bulls in Christchurch last Friday night, but any fears the two All Blacks wouldn't be fit to travel offshore were allayed after they were named in the 27-man touring squad.

Crotty passed an HIA immediately after the game, while captain Whitelock was withdrawn from the action as a precautionary measure. "He is clear, he is fine," Robertson said in reference to Crotty after the match. "He just got hit in a bit an awkward position in the shoulder, and the doc straight away said 'let's go have a look at him'. But he is fine and passed the (HIA) test. Everything is good."

In listing a squad with a 15-12 split in favour of the forwards, Robertson has named just one specialist openside flanker in Matt Todd for the short tour that comprises fixtures against the Lions in Johannesburg and Jaguares on April 8.

Veteran Mike Delany, who was unavailable for the recent matches against the Bulls and Hurricanes because of a sore knee, will back-up incumbent first five-eighth Mitch Hunt. Rookie Brett Cameron will remain in Christchurch.

Wing Seta Tamanivalu, who suffered a minor groin twinge at training on Thursday, has also been listed among the five outside backs. All Blacks Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Israel Dagg and Richie Mo'unga are unavailable because of injury.

Crusaders: Tim Perry, Wyatt Crockett, Chris King, Michael Alaalatoa, Oliver Jager, Codie Taylor, Ben Funnell, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Tom Sanders, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Mitchell Drummond, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Mike Delany, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Seta Tamanivalu, Manasa Mataele, George Bridge, David Havili.