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Chay Fihaki to put pressure on Will Jordan after extending stay with Crusaders

Chay Fihaki. (Photo by Andrew Cornaga/Photosport)

Dynamic young utility back Chay Fihaki has re-signed with the Crusaders, presenting exciting prospects for the team taking the field in the 2023 season.

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Fihaki signed with the Crusaders in 2020 as a 19-year-old and has since gone from strength to strength, playing seven matches in the red and black and showing great potential.

During his youth career Fihaki played through the midfield but as he has progressed through Canterbury and Crusaders development pathways, he has nestled into a role at fullback.

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Fihaki’s mission for 2023 will be to soak up as much knowledge as possible from some of his All Black teammates.

“I’m feeling excited about the season coming up. 2023 will be another year for me to grow, especially learning off the more senior players and All Blacks,” Fihaki said.

“My focus will definitely be on being more confident and backing my skillset.”

Fihaki’s X-Factor has been outlined by Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who said, “Chay has a massive boot and the ability to create something from nothing.”

Fihaki made just three starts and six appearances for the Crusaders throughout this year’s title-winning campaign thanks to the presence of some heavy artillery in the outside backs.

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With the likes of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, David Havili and Leicester Fainga’anuku all on the books for next year, Fihaki will once again face a massive challenge to earn minutes for the Super Rugby Pacific champions, but the likely absence of George Bridge will at least open up some more opportunities for the youngster.

Fihaki has been a relevant constant at the back for Canterbury throughout this year’s NPC season and with more experience under his belt, will be looking to put pressure on Jordan for the Crusaders fullback berth next season.

– with Crusaders Rugby

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Nickers 38 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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