Williams sits out training

Ali Williams is an injury concern for the Crusaders after he missed training yesterday but could still start against the Brumbies on Friday.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has downplayed fears that Williams will be ruled out of Friday’s Super 14 opener.

Williams is nursing a sore knee but Deans is being positive and hoping that he will regain fitness before Friday night.

“He should be OK. We should know more on Wednesday.” Deans told The Press.

The Crusaders at home should be favourites to beat the Brumbies who will be without some of their stars like Stirling Mortlock, Clyde Rathbone and Mark Chisholm.

Even though the Crusaders probably have the upper hand further injury blows could swing things towards the Brumbies after having lost lock Ross Filipo and Reuben Thorne who is unlikely to play because of a troublesome calf muscle.

Filipo is due to have an operation shortly because of a neck injury and is expected to be out for about four weeks.