Crusaders lock extends stay
Mitchell Dunshea has recommitted to the Crusaders through 2023, despite there already being three All Blacks locks on the books.
Dunshea, who last year spent time with the All Blacks but wasn’t capped, joins Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Quinten Strange in committing to the Super Rugby champions for at least two more years.
The 25-year-old replaced Strange (also uncapped) in the All Blacks squad after he sustained an ankle injury at training ahead of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations. His signature follows Strange’s decision last month to stay put, despite acknowledging the intense competition for minutes with frontline All Blacks Whitelock and Barrett on board.
Dunshea is the ninth player to recommit to the Crusaders through 2023. In addition to the four second rowers, Jack Goodhue, Cullen Grace, David Havili, Braydon Ennor and Tom Christie are locked in.
Six more – Will Jordan, Joe Moody, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece and Mitchell Drummond – are contracted through 2022.
It’s still early in the competition but don’t bank on many new caps making the All Blacks later this year.
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava is likely to interest Ian Foster – his try against the Blues again showed his unique skill set close to the line – but after three rounds Stuff’s team of the week is being dominated by familiar faces.
Akira Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Hoskins Sotutu – who all made their test debuts last year – look determined to consolidate their positions with all impressive against the Highlanders on Sunday.
In fact, such was the Blues pack’s dominance against the Highlanders we have found room for six of the big men in this week’s selection.
15 Will Jordan (Crusaders): Edges out Damian McKenzie in a close call, but that line he ran off Richie Mo’unga for his try was exceptional.
14 Connor Garden-Bachop (Highlanders): A bright spot in a poor Highlanders performance – safe under the high ball and fast off the mark.
13 Rieko Ioane (Blues): Caused no end of problems with his pace and should have been awarded a spectacular try from his brother’s ‘forward’ pass.
12 David Havili (Crusaders): Sparked his side with a classy midfield break and long pass to Leicester Fainga’anuku.
11 Caleb Clarke (Blues):
Developing real consistency and continues to dominate on the edges. Showed a nice kicking game, too.
10 Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders):
Wouldn’t get away with this sort of performance in test rugby, but the additional room in Super Rugby plays to his brilliant footwork.
9 Mitchell Drummond (Crusaders): Possibly the form halfback, although playing behind that pack undoubtedly helps.
8 Hoskins Sotutu (Blues): Was given space to run by the Highlanders and didn’t need a second invitation. Warming up nicely for Crusaders blockbuster.
7 Dalton Papalii (Blues): Snared one brilliant first-half turnover as the Blues dominated at the breakdown. A massive man for a No 7 but has no problem getting over the ball.
6 Akira Ioane (Blues): Size, strength, skill and speed. Improved decision-making is turning Ioane into the real deal. 5 Scott Barrett (Crusaders):
Discipline continues to be an issue but starting to build up a head of steam as the event progresses.
4 Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): Dominated the collisions and provided the horsepower for the Blues’ damaging scrum.
3 Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues): Won the scrum battle with Highlanders youngster Ethan de Groot and was typically effective on defence.
2 Codie Taylor (Crusaders): Part of a set-piece that continues to change the entire direction of games. After the Chiefs started well, the Crusaders established control with a scrum penalty.
1 Karl Tu’inukuafe (Blues): Onesided scrum contest virtually killed the game inside the first 40 minutes. Dominance up front gave the Blues backs acres of room to work with.