Crusaders withdraw Fotuali'i

Wellington - Crusaders scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i has been withdrawn from Friday's must-win Super 14 match against the Brumbies after a breach of discipline, the team said on Tuesday.

"Fotuali'i breached a recovery protocol dictated by the team after the match against the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend and will be stood down for one match," the team said in a statement, without providing further details.

Having appeared certain top-four contenders mid-season, the Crusaders have lost their last three to slump to sixth in the standings, but could clinch a semi-final place with a win over the fourth-placed Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

"It's an unfortunate thing to happen at this time of the season but we're not going to let it distract us," Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said.