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All Black returns to Crusaders bench for Blues derby
By Ned Lester
The Crusaders bench has received a significant boost ahead of their clash with the Blues at Eden Park this weekend, with All Black Noah Hotham and veteran lock Quinten Strange set to return from injury.
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Hotham made it just eight minutes into the season opener against the Hurricanes before suffering an ankle injury, paving the way for Kyle Preston’s breakout in his rookie Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Another notable selection change for the game comes on the wing, as Chay Fihaki returns to the starting unit in an attempt to bring some defence to the wide channels and contain the Blues’ threats. The change means last week’s five-try hero Macca Springer has been relegated to the bench.
As the race for the Crusaders’ starting centre position heats up, Dallas McLeod has been named to return to the No. 13 jersey. Braydon Ennor made his return there last week but in another cruel blow for the All Black, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Tom Christie has retained his starting spot at openside flanker as another injury-prone All Black, Ethan Blackadder, faces time out, also with a hamstring complaint.
“It’s great to have both men back,” says Head Coach Rob Penney. “Noah is excited about returning and the competition at 9 is going to be intense.”
Penney also stressed his side won’t be underestimating the Blues despite the reigning champions’ poor start to the campaign.
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“Results-wise they’ll be disappointed, and they’ll be searching for a win, but they are playing well.
“I don’t think anyone likes to see people being dealt a negative hand of any sort, we are talking about the Blues, though,” Penney says.
“Without a doubt, the rivalry is still there. It’s historic and long may it continue, it’s one of the greats.”
Crusaders team to face the Blues
- Tamaiti Williams
- Codie Taylor (VC)
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Kyle Preston
- Taha Kemara
- Sevu Reece
- David Havili (C)
- Dallas McLeod
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan (VC)
Reserves
- Ioane Moananu
- George Bower
- Seb Calder
- Quinten Strange
- Corey Kellow
- Noah Hotham
- James O’Connor
- Macca Springer
Injury status
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Dom GARDINER, Hamstring, 2 weeks
Ethan BLACKADDER, Hamstring, TBC
Johnny McNICHOLL, Hamstring, 2-4 weeks
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN, Medial ligament (knee), 3 weeks
Braydon ENNOR, Hamstring, TBC
George BELL, Planter plate (foot), 16-20 weeks
Finlay BREWIS, Shoulder (surgery), Out for the season
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That is some bench the Crusaders have.Likes of Corey Kellow, Ioane Moananu, Quinten Strange, Macca Springer, James O’Connor, George Bower. Great that Cullen Grace is back, he was definitely missed last week.
Nothing would delight the Crusaders more than to add to bitter rivals the Blues run of losses. Given the return of several players for the Crusaders and the loss of key injured players for the Blues that is on the cards despite the home advantage. Karma would suggest that is the reversal of fortunes from last year.
What a ridiculous decision by Rob Penny, who I have never criticized before, for selecting Chay Fihaki over Mecca Springer.
In his previous starts, Fihaki has been good but not outstanding and certainly he is not someone with the runs on the board, like say Will Jordan, who you would restore automatically to the starting lineup after having a week off.
Springer played far better in last week’s match than Fihaki has in any of his matches this season and earned the right to continue to start until their is a decline in his performance.
The Crusaders wingers were aided by a blinder from Ennor of course. Fihaki is more than adequate as a replacement winger and Springer is still on the bench. Could it be that Fihaki is there to resolve the woeful goal kicking that the Crusaders showed initially last week????
Great to see one test All Black Noah Hotham back via the bench for the Crusaders. Starting halfback Kyle Preston has been in great form, starting from Round One when he debuted via Hotham’s injury and promptly scored a hat trick of tries. Also so good to see Cullen Grace back in the starting team. One of the form loose forwards in the comp.
So true. Crusaders have 2 fine half backs now and both deserve game time. Crusaders this year almost have a plethora of talent across the board and the injury problems of last year are not as bad and appear to have transferred to other squads.
Long time since I can remember having so many top drawer 9s in this country.