25 Jan 2015

Heinz breaks leg in Crusaders pre-season match

3:02 pm on 25 January 2015

The Crusaders are looking around for halfbacks, after Willi Heinz broke a leg in their Super Rugby pre-season loss to the Highlanders in Timaru.

Heinz, who is entering his sixth season with the Crusaders, was stretchered off after injuring his left leg in the second quarter of the match.

Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz breaks leg in Super Rugby preseason game against Highlanders 2015.

Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz breaks leg in Super Rugby preseason game against Highlanders 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

World Cup winning No.9 Andy Ellis is playing with the Kobe Steelers in Japan's Top League until they're eliminated, and Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder admits he's keen to recall Ellis early - if he can.

"We certainly will be looking to see if we can get Andy back otherwise we'll certainly have to find a replacement. If it was possible yeah, we won't know till we find out."

There was further bad news for the seven-time champions, who host the Melbourne Rebels on February 13 in the opening fixture of the 2015 season.

Fijian winger Jone Macilai, recruited after strong performances for Northland in last year's national provincial championship, suffered a suspected broken arm.

The Highlanders won the match 29-26, scoring five tries to four.

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