Crusaders’ new weapon
What a difference 80 minutes of rugby made for Sevu Reece.
When the debutant Crusaders wing was introduced shortly before the red and blacks played the Chiefs on Saturday, there was no acknowledgement from the almost 15,000 fans at Christchurch Stadium.
But the contrast was striking when he was later named man-ofthe-match for his performance in the 57-28 romp. They stood, cheered and saluted him.
Reece, who was given a second chance by the Crusaders after a well-documented off-field incident involving his girlfriend, has certainly given Crusaders coach Scott Robertson another selection headache.
‘‘We knew he could play. He’s incredible one-on-one. He can anticipate the game really well. You could see his body wasn’t used to playing 80 minutes, he was starting to cramp and there was some medical attention on him. He’s just got that touch, he’s an incredible young kid,’’ Robertson said.
The 22-year-old wasn’t made available to speak to media after the match, but it’s understood the Crusaders will soon put him in front of the microphones and cameras.
Reece more than took his chance with All Black George Bridge rested and Manasa Mataele (knee) done for the year, and will surely be considered for the Crusaders’ South Island derby against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
To think he only joined the team because they needed injury cover for Israel Dagg (knee) in December, yet was given a chance before highly touted rookie Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Ngane Punivai.
‘‘Mate, how good was he?’’ captain Ryan Crotty said after Reece notched 153 metres on 16 carries, made five line breaks and scored an intercept try.
He also made his presence felt on defence, at one stage blasting Chiefs fullback Solomon Alaimalo with a hit which could be heard across the ground, and he showed his ability to read the game, when he got back and expertly turned a Damian McKenzie chip into a counterattack.
Whether or not Reece gets a shot against the Highlanders, Robertson is expected to bring back captain Sam Whitelock after an extended break, while Bridge, flanker Matt Todd and tighthead prop Owen Franks are also in line to return after a week off.
The severity of loosehead prop Joe Moody’s ankle sprain should be revealed today. If he’s ruled out, Harry Allan, 20, will start in Dunedin.
Robertson must decide if he wants to play outstanding lock Scott Barrett, and first-five Richie Mo’unga, for a fifth consecutive game, the maximum amount he’s permitted to play All Blacks on the bounce.
Sitting pretty at the top of the ladder with 17 points through four games, the Crusaders will take their Super Rugby record
19-match winning streak with them to Forysth Barr Stadium.
Come kickoff, it will be a day short of a year since their last defeat, when an undermanned red and black outfit were beaten
25-17 by the Highlanders at the same ground.
‘‘It’s a great challenge, it’s a year on, and we’re looking forward to it,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘They’ve got some great young players coming through as well, and a good balance with All Blacks, and a great coaching group.’’
CRUSADERS FORM