Super rugby It’s back
Anyone worried the Crusaders might tread on a snare and take the battling Blues lightly need not bother.
Forget the fact the Blues haven’t won a New Zealand derby since round one of the 2016 season, a gander at coach Scott Robertson’s 23 to play the Auckland-based Blues at Eden Park tomorrow night tells you all you need to know.
Unlike some New Zealand franchises, the third-year Crusaders coach hasn’t hogtied some of his All Blacks by easing them into the new season.
‘‘We’ve obviously gone the opposite way around. We want to get the combos right early,’’ Robertson said.
Despite Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor being on extended leave, and centre Jack Goodhue ruled out with a groin strain, Robertson has named 13 players who have been involved with the All Blacks in his 23, including 10 in the starting side.
‘‘He [Goodhue] had a slight, tight groin, and just with the length of the season, and doing the right thing by him, we gave him the extra week to come right. He potentially could have played, but the best thing for him is to make sure it’s 100 [per cent],’’ Robertson said.
The Crusaders’ XV includes openside flanker Matt Todd, who will captain the back-to-back champions until Whitelock returns during round five, and his vicecaptain – second-five eighth Ryan Crotty.
With Goodhue sidelined, 21-year-old Braydon Ennor will start outside Crotty in the No 13 jersey.
Ennor predominantly played centre through secondary school, and for the New Zealand under-20s, but was mostly utilised on the wing during his rookie season with the Crusaders last year.
However, fresh off a Mitre 10 Cup campaign with Canterbury in the midfield, Ennor got the nod over veteran Tim Bateman. ‘‘He’s more than comfortable,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘As you know, Braydon’s speed is his greatest strength, and he’s a big strong boy and he’s ready to go.
‘‘‘It’s tough on Tim Bateman, he is looking strong as well. But that’s the great
David Havili, Manasa Mataele, Braydon Ennor, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd (c), Jordan Taufua, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.
thing about having depth, you have to have tough con‘versations and someone has to miss out.’’
Third-year Tasman lock Quinten Strange will start in place of Whitelock, while the returning Whetukamokamo Douglas will play No 8 with Read unavailable until March 16.
Loose forward Ethan Blackadder was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury, although Robertson noted it wasn’t serious. Manasa Mataele has been rewarded for an impressive pre-season.