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Cape Town - Nemani Nadolo's decision to steer clear of the Fijian Test team should add some ammunition to the Crusaders' joy box as they prepare to motor down Super Rugby's home stretch.
According to the Stuff website, left wing Nadolo, who will make his return from a four-week suspension against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday and joins French club Montpellier when the SANZAAR competition season ends, has decided not to play for Fiji against Tonga, Samoa and Georgia in Suva next month for "personal reasons".
That's not the brightest news for Fiji. For the Crusaders, however, it's a different story.
Rather than be concerned about the 130kg wing getting injured in those Tests they can use the June Test window to get Nadolo in top physical shape for their final three regular season matches against the Chiefs in Suva, and the Rebels and Hurricanes in Christchurch.
In his absence after being cited for a tip-tackle against the Brumbies, the Crusaders, who had the bye for the first week of his suspension, beat the Reds and Waratahs but lost to the Highlanders.
Nadolo is likely to replace fellow Fijian Jone Macilai for the match against the Blues, which will allow Johnny McNicholl to remain on the right wing.
The match at Eden Park kicks off at 09:35 SA time.
