Cavalry back for Crusaders
The cicadas were still chirping like crazy in late summer when Scott Robertson briefly cupped a hand around his mouth and imitated the sound of a bugle.
In doing so the Crusaders coach made the point he had circled April 21 on his calendar, when the Crusaders host the Sunwolves in Christchurch, for when ‘‘the cavalry’’ would return to Super Rugby duty.
Robertson was referring to injured All Blacks Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Joe Moody and Kieran Read, who have played 301 tests between them.
On Saturday afternoon three of that quartet – Dagg, Franks and Moody – will finally saddleup for their clubs in two different competitions in Canterbury to take a giant step in their recovery programmes.
Read is continuing his rehabilitation and whether he will be fit to lead the All Blacks in the three-test series against France in June remains uncertain.
He required surgery on his spine in mid-December to alleviate pain in his leg, and unlike this All Blacks companions he hasn’t yet been sighted on the grass at Crusaders trainings in Christchurch.
The appearances of Dagg, Franks and Moody for their clubs are likely to be brief, maybe around 20 minutes each, but in the professional era it’s something to be celebrated.
Because it’s not often that three established All Blacks represent their clubs in the same province on the same day.
Fullback/wing Israel Dagg will play for University against Christchurch and tighthead prop Owen Franks will represent his Linwood club against Sumner, both in the Christchurch metro premier competition.
Loosehead prop Joe Moody will have a run for Lincoln, which is affiliated with the Ellesmere sub-union and will meet Ashley in a combined country division fixture.
With the Crusaders having the bye following their return from Buenos Aires, where they will play the Jaguares on Sunday morning, Dagg, Franks and Moody may get another run for their clubs next weekend as they continue their progression towards full fitness.
Robertson will then contemplate whether to play them against the Sunwolves, possibly naming them on the bench.
Franks’ required surgery to his Achilles tendon following the first game of the Rugby Championship against the Wallabies in Sydney on August
19, and Moody needed an operation after damaging his shoulder against Argentina in New Plymouth on September 9.
Dagg was also added to the injury roster following that game, due to a serious knee problem. None have played since.
First five-eighth Richie Mo’unga, who suffered a fractured jaw in the Crusaders’ second game of the season against the Stormers, will be given more time to heal.
‘‘He will (need to) be clearly medically for the Brumbies game, at this stage,’’ Robertson said.
The Crusaders play the Brumbies in Canberra on April
28.