Tricky week for Crusaders
Dealing with the citing of Owen Franks could be just the tip of Scott Robertson’s problems.
As if potentially losing tighthead prop Franks – a consequence of him clobbering hooker James Parsons in the head with his arm during the 32-24 win over the Blues on Saturday night – for the next match against the Hurricanes wasn’t bad enough, Crusaders coach Robertson must negotiate a minefield of other issues this week.
It turns out captain Sam Whitelock wasn’t considered to front the Blues because he was suffering concussion symptoms, something the public only learned about when All Blacks coach Steve Hansen spoke to media yesterday.
Another important leader, midfielder Ryan Crotty, failed an HIA against the Blues after he copped a blow to the face from Ofa Tu’ungafasi which puts him in doubt for the blockbuster at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday night. This is the second HIA Crotty has failed this season and Robertson said he would not be risked under any circumstances if he is not fit.
Wing Manasa Mataele is also on the injury list, having limped out of the Blues game with a hamstring problem. The chances of him playing the Hurricanes seem remote.
But back to the Franks situation. The sanctions start at two weeks for striking, climbing to eight for ‘‘top-end’’ and that means the big front rower, who doesn’t have a clean rap sheet, could be forced to take a holiday. If he is banned it means the Crusaders will be stripped of both their All Blacks props. Joe Moody has one more week to serve on the suspension he copped for striking the Waratahs’ Kurtley Beale in the face.
There’s also another fat fly for Robertson to dig out of the ointment. He will be only able to have one training run with his full squad on Wednesday, because nine potentially available men will be involved in the All Blacks’ camp in Auckland.
The Hurricanes will also be without their All Blacks, with coach Chris Boyd having to surrender eight players, but that will be of cold comfort for Robertson.
To have his preparation for such a vital game, which could decide the winner of the NZ conference, compromised by outside forces must be frustrating. Not that it would do Robertson’s career with NZ Rugby any good to say that.
‘‘I have got a really positive mindset around it, and will prepare the boys the best we can against a pretty good Hurricanes side’’
Robertson, like Boyd, just has to suck this lemon and smile.
Ill-discipline continues to be a scar on the Crusaders’ reputation. In addition to Franks being cited, lock Quinten Strange was yellow carded for grabbing Jerome Kaino by the legs in a maul.
It was difficult to fathom what Strange was trying to do, and referee Glen Jackson had little choice but to order him to the cooler.
A pattern is forming. Prior to Moody clouting Beale in the previous round, the Crusaders conceded two yellow cards in each outing against the Rebels and Brumbies. It’s a habit that could result in horrendous damage if repeated against the talented Hurricanes, who have now won 10 games on the trot.
‘‘We are not a dirty side,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘We have got a few yellows, it is not good enough really. It puts a lot of pressure on the team.’’
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