Crusaders issue injury updates on their three fallen All Blacks

For much of last weekend’s win over the Chiefs, the Crusaders had to cope without three of their seasoned performers thanks to injury.

Second-rower Sam Whitelock, who had initially been named to start in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final clash, was withdrawn at the last minute due to a thumb injury and played no part in the victory. Codie Taylor and David Havili, meanwhile, lasted for just 40 minutes of action before heading to the sidelines.

While hooker Taylor had strained his hamstring in the first half and didn’t return to the field after the halftime buzzer, Havili took a blow to the head early in the piece and a sizeable bump was visible for all and sundry to see before the utility back left the field almost immediately after the second half kicked off.

Reacting to the first All Blacks squad of the season.

Reacting to the first All Blacks squad of the season.

According to Crusaders assistant coach Tamati Ellison, it’s normal to expect a few sore bodies and niggles after facing off with the Chiefs, and while all three players feature against the Blues in this weekend’s grand final, it could be a race against time for the two forwards.

“There’s normally a few [injuries],” he said on Tuesday. “First training day on the grass today so we’ll monitor all the boys and make sure we can give them all a chance to be where we need them on Saturday.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure [what Whitelock’s injury is]. It’s a decent injury so whether he can play with it or not, he was hitting hard last week and got really close so we’ll give him every chance again.

“[Taylor] will be the same. We had our first training day today. Everyone’s keen so as we do with every injury, we’ll just monitor them and give them every chance.

“The egg [on the side of Havili’s head] is gone. Davey’s good. He’ll train again this week and he’s looking forward to [playing].”

While the Crusaders weren’t sure whether or not Argentinian international Pablo Matera would be available, due to facing the Sanzaar judiciary, Ellison said the Pumas flanker would train as normal.

“Pablo will prep like he does every week. Might give him the Argentinian training week, which is a lighter load for him – he likes to express himself on game day. Unconfirmed there but he’ll prepare as usual.”

The judiciary has confirmed overnight that Matera is free to take to the field against the Blues and, as such, will likely suit up on the blindside flank for the Crusaders.

On the other side of the team sheet, Ellison said that it was important for the Crusaders to shut down the wizardry of Blues superstar Beauden Barrett – although there are normally at least a few players in every team you have to look out for.

“Whether it’s Tate McDermott a couple of weeks ago, playing really well for the Reds, or Beaudy this week, we respect all the players we’re playing against and make sure we have a good plan around going after them,” said Ellison.

“[Barret’s] good eh? He sees the game really well – he has for a long time. We’ll have to be on high alert for sure there. They’ve had a good season, the Blues, we’re looking forward to it.”

The Crusaders will take on the Blues at 7:05pm NZT on Saturday evening at Eden Park in Auckland.