Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Former All Black’s bold Crusaders call before Brumbies clash

Sevu Reece of the Crusaders (bottom centre) reacts after scoring a try during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park, on March 02, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

With the Crusaders’ season somewhat on the line, former All Black Mils Muliaina believes the defending champions are the “one team” that can potentially upset the Brumbies in Canberra.

ADVERTISEMENT

Reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders have three matches to save their season and it won’t be easy ahead of clashes with the Brumbies, Blues and Moana Pasifika.

The Crusaders are second-last on the ladder following their defeat to Kiwi rivals the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend, but could potentially jump into the top eight this weekend.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

If the Reds are good enough are to claim a win over the Fijian Drua in Suva, then that will open the door for the Crusaders should they get the better of the high-flying Brumbies on Saturday.

“At home as well, the way they play at home, (it’s) very hard to go to Canberra at beat (the Brumbies) but if there is one team that can do it’s the Crusaders,” Rugby World Cup winner Mils Muliaina said on Stan Sports’ The Call Up.

“I think they’re starting to get there,” he added later on.

“They need this game and they need the Reds to win and perhaps if that happens, all they need is that win to get them into the eight this week.”

The Crusaders have been boosted by the return of first five Fergus Burke for the first time this season. Burke with partner Noah Hotham in the halves after recovering from an Achilles injury.

ADVERTISEMENT

That welcomed decision by coach Rob Penney has allowed All Black David Havili to shift from the No. 10 slot and into inside centre where he’ll link up with Jone Rova in the midfield.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
1
Draws
0
Wins
4
Average Points scored
23
33
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
80%

But it’s not all good news with All Blacks Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Ethan Blackadder all missing from the forward pack.

Hooker Codie Taylor will captain the side for the second week in a row.

“Last week, obviously a great game in Dunedin. Had a lot of guys come back. Codie Taylor, for me, was huge,” Muliaina explained.

ADVERTISEMENT

“When you play under the roof, the Crusaders would’ve wanted to go to their set-piece, they would’ve wanted some mistakes… but obviously (Scott) Barrett still not back, Still a massive mission from that squad.

“But a big one for me, Fergus Burke. His return; to be able to allow (David) Havili to move out one into 12 and really run the cutter from there – don’t have as much responsibility on him in terms of that 10 role.

“Fergus Burke to come in and just play that pivot tole, I think that’s going to be key.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

5 Comments
m
monty 217 days ago

Just watched brumbies v safas game sadly not a show in he’ll thryr anywhere near quarters or semi contention. Admittedly some issues around new comers bot what stands out for me is coaching management, poor game planning and accuracy.

G
Graham 218 days ago

Well said Mils. It is a big boost at last having Fergus Burke back at 10 for the Crusaders. Had a great season last year as the article says. Mils is also right about captain Codie Taylor’s performance in his return to the Crusaders last week. He was all class.

T
Tristan 219 days ago

On one hand I think it's a bit ridiculous that this gar into the season and with only 2 wins the Crusaders may make the finals. On the other hand if it was only top 4 or 5, then that last several weeks may be mainly dead rubbers. Nope, 8th place after round robin shouldn't be able to lift the trophy.

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING How the Black Ferns Sevens reacted to Michaela Blyde's code switch Michaela Blyde's NRLW move takes team by surprise
Search