Lentjes keen to take on Crusaders in biggest test
WHEN opportunity knocks, the door must be opened — actually, almost thrown off its hinges.
Highlanders flanker James Lentjes knows that more than most.
Lentjes (27) will get a crack tonight at openside flanker for the Highlanders in the match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
It is just his third start of the year in the competition. Injury ruled him out for much of the season as he had a shoulder reconstruction in October last year followed by six months of rehabilitation.
So in the cutthroat world of starting places in the Highlanders loose forward department, when the chance comes along, one has to take it.
Lentjes has known that from the first time he joined the franchise.
‘‘I had some awesome guys for the Highlanders when I first started. Had John Hardie, Dan Pryor and Shane Christie and they all happened to get injured. And it was a bit of luck and it went from there.
‘‘It is exactly the same thing with Dill [Dillon Hunt, last year]. I got injured and he came in and played well. That is just what happens.’’
Lentjes first played for the Highlanders in 2015 and ended up playing in the semifinal and final that year as part of the titlewinning team.
Lentjes has been up and down with the Highlanders since. Last year he appeared to have everything open up for him with Pryor and Christie injured before the season
kicked off. But he dislocated his elbow in the second game and missed the best part of three months.
The injury curse did not stop there for Lentjes last year as he missed the end of the Otago season as his left shoulder needed an operation.
‘‘I did the same damage as
dislocating it but it never fully came out — pulled some bone off and had to have a full reconstruction. It got to the point where I was managing to play but it just had to be done. I got a couple of bangs on it and just could not get through a game.
‘‘I played with a sore shoul der for a while which created some bad habits.’’
He has been back in action for about two months and has now has the motor purring nicely.
The Crusaders in Christchurch will be the biggest test.
‘‘It is always good to go up there and get one over them. It is a tough place to play obviously — they haven’t lost a game there for two years. It is their fortress but it is exciting. You get to test yourself and the team.
‘‘You have to put an 80minute performance together. They’re a clinical outfit and you have to go up there and play well. It is as simple as that.’’
Lentjes is right — the Highlanders are going to have to play extremely well to get the right result tonight.
They did that when they disposed of the Hurricanes at the start of last month but that seems light years ago.
The woes of the performance against the Chiefs hang over the team but also act as a great motivator.
The Crusaders come off a bye and also want to salute 200game man Wyatt Crockett. Throw in the returning Kieran Read and it is not going to be easy for the Highlanders.
Highlanders prop Siate Tokolahi pulled out yesterday because of a knee injury he picked up last week. Tyrel Lomax goes into the starting side and Guy Millar goes on to the bench.
Loose forward Liam Squire will be given as late as possible to prove his fitness.
The weather forecast for Christchurch is for thick high cloud and northerlies. It is not expected to be too cold.