Moody lucks out again
Joe Moody’s chances of being fit for the Super Rugby playoffs may be in serious jeopardy.
Loosehead prop Moody hurt his left knee and ankle in the opening minutes of the Crusaders’ 45-22 win over the Highlanders in Christchurch last Friday night, and appears no chance of playing the final roundrobin game against the Blues next Saturday. If that gloomy prediction proves correct it will add another chapter to what is proving to be a frustrating season for the All Black.
Given the Crusaders have already secured top spot on the competition log, and are guaranteed to remain at AMI Stadium for as long as they survive in the playoffs, the omission of Moody from the Blues game is unlikely to be considered a major drama by coach Scott Robertson.
But the spectre of not having the 34-test prop for the quarterfinal on July 21, probably against the Rebels or the Sharks, could create more anxiety. Although Wyatt Crockett, Tim Perry and Chris King are also extremely capable, Moody is one of the world’s best looseheads and Robertson will want a full arsenal to select from as the Crusaders attempt to retain the Super Rugby crown.
‘‘He [Moody] will continue to be reviewed by the Crusaders medical team early next week to determine the exact nature of the knee injury and the expected return to play timeframes,’’ the Crusaders said. Moody, who has made just three appearances for the Crusaders this year, tried to keep playing after falling awkwardly in the opening minutes against the Highlanders, but had to surrender his job to Crockett who made his 200th Super Rugby appearance.
Moody, 29, has already suffered a catalogue of misfortunes this year, one of them self-inflicted. His comeback from a serious shoulder operation only lasted a few minutes when he fractured a finger for his club in early April.
In his return to Super Rugby, against the Waratahs in Christchurch, he received a two-week suspension for striking Kurtley Beale on May 12.
The diagnosis of midfielder Ryan Crotty, who left the field in the second half against the Highlanders, was more positive. The Crusaders said he he had minor calf tightness and left the park as a precaution. If Robertson is loath to risk Crotty, he can start Bateman at No 12. Other changes are expected against the Blues.
Hooker Codie Taylor and lock Scott Barrett are yet to have their final All Blacks rest week, meaning they should be given a chance to refresh. Andrew Makalio is expected to retain the No 2 jersey he wore against the Highlanders and Quinten Strange, preferred ahead of Luke Romano on the bench for that game, could start.