The Crusaders will be without inspirational skipper Richie McCaw for their Super 14 rugby match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

After initially being named in the defending champions' starting lineup on Wednesday night, McCaw was ruled out on Thursday morning.

Coach Todd Blackadder told Radio Sport McCaw has not recovered sufficiently from a knock suffered during last weekend's surprise 13-20 loss to the Cheetahs.

Tasman's Jonathon Poff will get his first start in the number seven jersey.

Blackadder has reinstated Isaac Ross, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis and Leon MacDonald for the Lions match after they were rested for the Cheetahs encounter.

Tighthead prop Owen Franks retains his spot ahead of Bronson Murray.

Blackadder has also handed the kicking duties to MacDonald ahead of first five Stephen Brett and Colin Slade.

The Crusaders, currently eighth in the standings, need big wins from their remaining three round-robin games against the Lions, Reds and Blues to keep alive hopes of retaining their title.

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