At a glance
Mitchell Dunshea has been handed the task of replacing Scott Barrett in the Crusaders’ pack for tomorrow night’s Super Rugby final against the Jaguares in Christchurch.
The 23-year-old lock comes in for the injured All Black ahead of the more experienced Luke Romano, while new All Black Braydon Ennor will start in the midfield as Ryan Crotty’s replacement.
Barrett (finger) and Crotty (thumb) suffered breaks during the Crusaders’ semifinal win against the Hurricanes last weekend, and are expected to be sidelined for up to six and eight weeks, respectively.
Regular centre Jack Goodhue has shifted inside to second fiveeighth to make room for utility Ennor, whose preferred position is centre, despite mostly playing on the wing this season.
‘‘Mitch has played a lot more rugby recently,’’ Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said when explaining why he opted for 23-year-old Dunshea over Quinten Strange.
‘‘[Strange] has had two or three injuries back-to-back and hasn’t played for quite a while. Every time Mitch Dunshea has played he’s been exceptional for us. We think he will suit the style the Jaguares play this weekend.’’
Keeping veteran lock Luke Romano on the bench, which he’s played off in each of his previous 12 appearances this year, came down to his finishing.
‘‘He’s tough and brutal, as we know, but his game-understanding and game management is a great way for him to add to the leadership group and players on the field at the time,’’ Robertson said.
The third-year head coach, who will become the first to win a three-peat of titles if the Crusaders get up tomorrow, said playing veteran midfielder Tim Bateman was considered.
However, they opted for the Goodhue-Ennor combination, which the Crusaders rolled out against the Sharks in early May, only for an injury to Will Jordan to cause an early reshuffle.
Jordan, who hasn’t played since hobbling off with a foot injury in that 21-21 draw in Christchurch, has been named on the bench for tomorrow’s decider. Fullback and vice-captain David Havili will cover the midfield, Robertson confirmed.
‘‘Dave’s a very special player. His utility is amazing. He started with the Crusaders as a wing and he was a 10 when he was at school. Ten, 12, wing and 15, now vice captain for us in a final. He’s up to 80 odd Super matches. He’s pretty special for us in our group. He’s quiet leader but when he talks everyone listens.
‘‘The way he’s been Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock (captain), Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.