The Crusaders' march to the Super Rugby Final encountered an unexpected hiccup.

Star lock forward Luke Romano could not travel with his teammates from Cape Town to Brisbane - for Saturday's showdown with the Reds - after he was struck down by a bout of Chickenpox.

Romano, who played in the second half of last weekend's 29-10 semifinal win over the Stormers, stayed behind in Cape Town as "precaution".

However, the Crusaders have already flown in veteran All Blacks lock Chris Jack from New Zealand to join the team in Australia for the tournament's showpiece event.

Romano, one of the finds of the Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign, displaced Jack in the Crusaders team this season - despite his lack of experience.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder revealed to the media that Romano was a doubtful starter.

"He has not been cleared to play yet but we are hoping he will be right," he told The Press.

"He just stayed behind in the interests of public safety and we hope he will be able to fly over in the next couple of days."

The Crusaders have only one other injury concern before Saturday's final against the Reds in Brisbane.

Andy Ellis hurt a shoulder in the semifinal. Although an X-ray confirmed he had not fractured any bones his shoulder is still sore.

Blackadder said: "He is about 60-40 at the moment and although he is pretty confident the next 24 hours are likely to be crucial."

If Ellis fails a fitness Test replacement scrumhalf Willi Heinz will be called over and join the squad.

Blackadder is not expected to make any changes other than those due to injury.