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Cape Town - The Sharks have been spared facing star Crusaders duo Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty when the sides meet in a top-of-the-table clash in Christchurch on Friday.
Kick-off is at 09:35 SA time.
According to the Stuff website, Whitelock and Crotty are both on an All Blacks rest week.
The table-topping nine-time champion Crusaders are however expected to be boosted by the return of Scott Barrett and Matt Todd who both missed Friday's 36-10 walloping of the Lions.
In addition, hooker Andrew Makalio, who has been sidelined with a calf complaint, was back at training on Monday.
The Crusaders currently top the standings with the Sharks, despite a 5-5 record this season and having six points fewer than the fourth-placed Hurricanes, find themselves in second place in the Overall standings.
