All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will miss the Crusaders' remaining league matches due to a rib injury sustained in the recent Test series against England.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that McCaw broke his rib in the 'first or second Test' of that series. It was first thought that the rib was bruised, but recent X-rays revealed the injury to be more serious.

McCaw will be sidelined for three weeks, and will miss the Crusaders' next three games. He will only return for the Crusaders should they qualify for the play-offs.

Meanwhile, fullback Israel Dagg will miss the Crusaders' next match against the Hurricanes due to a knee injury.

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