Injury to Goodhue forces changes
Another reshuffle of the Crusaders’ backline is imminent following Jack Goodhue’s return to New Zealand.
Centre Goodhue, who hurt his hamstring while scoring a try in the 14-8 win over the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend, is the latest All Black to book himself into the club’s rehabilitation unit.
He will join fellow All Blacks Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Joe Moody and Richie Mo’unga in having to watch the Crusaders’ next Super Rugby match, against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning (NZT), from afar.
While it’s hoped Dagg, Franks and Moody will play against the Sunwolves in Christchurch on April 21, Read, who required surgery to repair a lower back injury in midDecember, could struggle to be available for the three-test series against France in June.
Mo’unga, who suffered a fractured jaw against the Stormers on March 3, may be available in early April.
Goodhue, who made his sole appearance for his country against a French XV in Lyon last year, adds to an expanding list of wounded All Blacks that also includes Nepo Laulala, Kane Hames, Liam Squire, Sonny Bill Williams, Dane Coles and Nehe MilnerSkudder.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has several options available in terms of replacing Goodhue.
If he wants to minimise the disruption to the back division, he could ask veteran Tim Bateman to partner Ryan Crotty in the backline for the first time this season. The duo’s last start together was when the Crusaders beat the Waratahs 41-22 in Sydney on April 2 last year and Bateman, who started at No 12, scored two tries.
Another option would be to shift Seta Tamanivalu to centre, allowing Manasa Mataele to start on the wing.
Mataele has been in fine form during his six outings this year, of which just one was in the starter’s jersey. Although wing Jone Macilai has flown to Buenos Aires as cover for Goodhue, the selection of Mataele, who should thrive if the track is firm at Estadio Jose Amalfitani, has the potential to add finishing power to a backline yet to match the accuracy of last year.
Although David Havili could move to the midfield, creating the option for either Mitch Hunt or George Bridge to start at fullback, that seems unlikely. Hunt is again likely to be the preferred option at No 10.
With reserve tighthead prop Oli Jager also returning home because he suffered a shoulder/neck injury at training in Johannesburg, Chris King is expected to provide cover for Mike Alaalatoa on the bench.