Canty eye Shield after derby win
WHILE the significance of Jordie Barrett’s move to the Hurricanes has been debated in recent weeks, Johnny McNicholl’s impending departure for Wales seems certain to have ramifications for the future of Crusaders and Canterbury rugby.
Barrett, at 19, is a potential future star while McNicholl, who celebrated his 26th birthday in style at AMI Stadium yesterday, has already showcased the experience and skills that indicate he will be challenging to replace when he finally joins Welsh club Scarlets at the end of the Mitre 10 Cup.
Had McNicholl has his way he would already be in Llanelli, but NZ Rugby refused to grant him an early release despite Canterbury coach Scott Robertson backing the wing-cum-fullback’s desire to start his OE as soon as possible.
Robertson was clearly pleased the NZR held firm after the seasoned component of his back three starred during the defending champions’ 45-34 victory over Otago in Christchurch.
‘‘Is he the form wing in the country? He’s one of the them,’’ enthused Robertson, after McNicholl initiated the first of Canterbury’s seven tries, provided the last pass for the third and then scored early in the second half as the title favourites returned to the top of the Premiership standings.
Robertson revealed McNicholl wanted to join the Scarlets after his fourth Super Rugby campaign, and is rapt with the response when the request was turned down.
‘‘They said he had to honour his contract and he’s doing it, with passion. Look at him now, he’s so important for us.’’
McNicholl surged 45 metres to set up prop Alex Hodgman’s dive over in the ninth minute; he then produced a slick offload for fellow wing Nathan Earle and early in the second half he glided down the right flank before a Richie Mo’unga chip sat up perfectly for him in the corner.
That scale of contribution and Canterbury’s expansive game plan meant McNicholl had no qualms about Canterbury taking precedence before he starts the three-year process to qualify for Wales.
‘‘As you can see I’m loving it, playing for Canterbury,’’ he said, as his focus switched to Wednesday’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato.
Canterbury approach their JOHN DAVIDSON/PHOTOSPORT first challenge since 2012 with confidence after bouncing back from a shock loss to Manawatu last weekend to extend their winning sequence over Otago to 11 matches with comparative ease.
The only downside was a serious leg injury to Rob Thompson late in the first half, a setback that is now likely to see Barrett shift to second five-eighth, his preferred position.
Robertson said Thompson, who had a MCL tear, would not be available for the road trip to Hamilton and New Plymouth, where Canterbury finish a compressed schedule against Taranaki on Sunday.