Crusaders have AB’s carrot
It would be timely for some Crusaders players to use their outing against the Rebels on Friday night to roll the equivalent of a grenade into the All Blacks selectors’ nest.
With the All Blacks set to unveil their 33-man squad on May 20 for the three-test series against France, time is fast running out for any ‘‘fringe’’ players to join the country’s elite for the games in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin in June.
Richie Mo’unga, who will make his first appearance in two months against the Rebels in Melbourne, Jack Goodhue, David Havili and Mitchell Drummond all wore the black jersey last year, but couldn’t be considered certainties to play the French.
Outside of this group there are a number who, barring injury, will be locked in for the test window. Sam Whitelock, who is expected to replace the injured Kieran Read as test captain, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty and potentially Tim Perry are such candidates.
Joe Moody, who has yet to represent the Crusaders this year because of injuries, should be picked but the unlucky Israel Dagg, who suffered a knee injury against the Brumbies last weekend, is likely to be given more time to recover. Luke Romano will also scratched due to an ankle injury.
Given the Crusaders have just two more Super Rugby games to play after the outing against the Rebels, their next opponents will be the Waratahs and Blues, opportunities to make a point to the national selectors will be limited. Luke Whitelock and Akira Ioane could be asked to replace Read at the back of the scrum against the French, and there is also the option of shifting openside flankers Ardie Savea or Sam Cane to the boot.
Then there is one of the Crusaders’ crowd favourites, Jordan Taufua, to consider. The abrasive back rower Taufua, who will start at No 8 against the Rebels, has never been picked for the All Blacks but recently recommitted to NZ Rugby which will take him through to the World Cup next year.
Asked if Taufua could be a contender for the All Blacks squad, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said: ‘‘I think all these forwards are.
‘‘Currently, with the injuries – he is an experienced campaigner, he has always performed to the highest level and has grown his game. He is a chance.’’
As far as the Crusaders are concerned, a win at AAMI Park is a must if they want to remain in control of their own destiny and stay at the top of the New Zealand log.
While Robertson noted the lack of depth in Aussie was hurting their team’s performances in Super Rugby, he will be only too aware of how competitive life is in his back garden.
Just seven points separate the Crusaders from the fourth-placed Chiefs, with the Christchurchbased team having played an extra game. A loss would be far from ideal.
The Rebels, boosted by the return of halfback Will Genia, have the chance to break a long string of defeats – that embarrassing figure now sits at 36 – by the Aussie teams against their Kiwi counterparts.
Much of the talk this week has centred on whether the Blues can keep that run going against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night. That suggests many observers believe it is a given the Crusaders will dump the Rebels on their home ground.
Such talk won’t be welcomed by Robertson. ‘‘The depth of squad is always tested and that’s the most critical thing in Super Rugby,’’ he said.
‘‘If you’ve got the ability to go three or four deep in a position and still find ways to win, you’re a chance’’. Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Pete Samu, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Andrew Makalio, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Harry Allan, Michael Alaalatoa, Mitchell Dunshea, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Bryn Hall, Mitch Hunt, Manasa Mataele
Rebels: Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Reece Hodge, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Jack Debreczeni, Will Genia, Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga’a, Angus Cottrell, Adam Coleman (c), Geoff Parling, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, Fereti Sa’aga. Reserves: Nathan Charles, Tetera Faulkner, Jermaine Ainsley, Matt Philip, Lopeti Timani, Michael Ruru, Tom English, Semisi Tupou
Referee: Nick Briant
Kickoff: 9.45pm, Friday