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Ex-All Black returns from France to break record after 12-year hiatus

John Afoa of the Crusaders looks on during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and NSW Waratahs at Orangetheory Stadium, on May 27, 2023, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Former All Black prop John Afoa broke Super Rugby records after returning to New Zealand and turning out for the Crusaders in the 42-17 against the Waratahs.

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The 38 Test veteran hadn’t played Super Rugby for 4,347 days since his last stint in 2011 with the Blues.

He officially set a new record as Super Rugby Pacific’s oldest player, 39 years and 233 days, by starting at tighthead prop for the Crusaders.

The former Blues prop debuted in 2004 before becoming a centurion with the club. After leaving New Zealand following the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Afoa has played over 250 first class games in Europe.

He just finished his season in the D2 in France with Vannes, returning to New Zealand from France two days ago.

The 39-year-old prop answered an SOS call after injuries to the Crusaders’ front row stocks depleted their squad.

Afoa managed 48 minutes in his first outing with the Crusaders, logging nine tackles and one carry.

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All Blacks George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Joe Moody and youngster Finlay Brewis are all sidelined with injuries leading to the SOS call.

Potential All Black bolter Tamaiti Williams has taken on a heavier load as a consequence which left the Crusaders searching for an answer.

 

 

 

 

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Amelia Jonathan 3 hours ago
Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

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JW 5 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

I think Reece has bulked up too much and now doesn’t have the pace to perform to his previously high standards. He’s making himself less of a winger but I’m not really sure he’s filling another role succinctly either. I think criticism at the AB level has seen him try to redevelop his game, I’m really not sure he can be continued to be used at the highest level. Definitely becoming the wing version Richie Mo’unga is possible (if not already attained) at Super Rugby level however. I loved watching him play when he first broke through.

The Force are undeniably much improved this season, but it’s going to take some reps to prove to themselves that they really can hang with the big dogs.

Yeah they’re still well off in the quality personal front.

It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance of the season, and he certainly made the most of it, with 13 carries accounting for 50 running metres – each of them passing by in a blur as Springer made his may to the try line time and time again.

Will Jordan was playmaking superbly to assist the youngster’s points tally, but it was all individual brilliance in the 53rd minute when Springer tiptoed down the sideline before collecting his own chip kick and outpacing the final two defenders to score under the posts.

After pre-season I said that I wanted Springer to cement the starting jersey, and that (well I’ve not no idea exactly which sides they play) another new wing recruit, Kunawave, would replace Reece as the Fijian Flyer in the team by season end. Reece might be making that tough, but unfortunately it looks like there wasn’t a full squad spot for the young fella and he has since made his AB7s debut instead. Watch this space though as he and Saifoloi look to have the X factor👍


That Jordan pass to Springer aside it was otherwise a very lackluster game for him as he looks to be struggling with processing his option taking in this new style he’s trying. Still have to think a man of that talent and ingenuity is going to make it click sooner or later though!

t’s a congested position, and after Ennor shot down talk of him being swept up by a Top 14 outfit this week, it looks as if the Crusaders have some selection headaches to solve in the coming weeks.

That’s great news. I can’t remember if it was because he actually made his return in pre-season or not but for some reason I was liking how Ennor looked like he might be providing the right options for Saders and even ABs when back. Very pleased to see him fit straight in though there was plenty of space on offer but he almost looked as if he was more dangerous with no space. Could be the long looked for option at 13?

11 Go to comments
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