Reinforcements on the way

All Blacks George Bridge and Joe Moody are expected to reinforce the Crusaders for this Saturday’s night’s blockbuster New Zealand against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Coach Scott Robertson was all smiles after collecting a bonus point win against the Waratahs in Nelson at the weekend, all while he ticked off an All Blacks rest week for the pair.

Now, he’s preparing his troops for what shapes as the match of the young season, and the first of three consecutive matches against New Zealand teams.

‘‘It’s going to be some affair,’’ Robertson said, eyeing the Chiefs.

The Chiefs opened the season with an impressive 37-29 win against the Blues at Eden

Park, where they trailed 19-5 at halftime before the returning Aaron Cruden steered them home.

‘‘I was impressed with both teams for long periods of the game. Played some great footy, some key substitutions really swung it for the Chiefs. Very impressive,’’ Robertson added.

The Crusaders didn’t pick up

any fresh injuries against the Waratahs, meaning only flanker Ethan Blackadder (shoulder), lock Quinten Strange (finger) and flanker Billy Harmon (knee) are unavailable.

Harmon will be the first back on the paddock but the earliest he will return is against the Highlanders on February 21.

There was an injury scare to pivot Richie Mo’unga during the opener, after he handed the kicking duties over to David Havili and needed medical attention throughout the first half after taking a knock to the knee.

However, Robertson said there was no concern regarding Mo’unga, who asked Havili to kick goals before the match because he felt tightness in his groin during the warmup.

The 25-year-old played the first 40 minutes, before he was substituted at the half due to All Blacks return-to-play minutes restricting his load through the first three weeks.

Mo’unga’s status is good news for the Crusaders, who know just how dangerous the Chiefs are, given visions of them storming back from 20-0 down in as many minutes to stun the red-andblacks 40-27 in Fiji last June will be fresh.

Robertson mostly liked what he saw in his team’s opener, but pointed to improved discipline, kick strategy and addressing their lineout problems as they prepare to head to Hamilton.

The Crusaders conceded 10 penalties against the Waratahs and at one stage were warned by referee Paul Williams for repeatedly being caught offside.

While the final lineout numbers (10/14) aren’t dreadful, it cost the Crusaders scoring opportunities, and put the team under unnecessary pressure.

‘‘There’s no excuse because it’s the first game,’’ Robertson said.

‘‘We trained extremely well during the week. They put a little bit of pressure on it and we just missed a couple of calls and a little bit of timing. But we stayed calm and found solutions.’’

Otherwise, it was just the start Robertson was after, highlighted by youngsters such as wing Leicester Faingaanuku, flanker Tom Christie (16 tackles), wing Will Jordan (two tries), and the relatively untested midfield pair of Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor impressing.

‘‘Their timing and game understanding was superb. Some great touches from both of them. Defensively, unreal.’’