Barrett in doubt for derby against Highlanders
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett was a notable bystander at the team’s first training session ahead of Friday night’s South Island derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch.
Barrett tweaked one of his medial collateral ligaments during last week’s win against the Blues in Auckland, putting him in doubt for the team’s final match before the first of two Super Rugby bye weeks.
‘‘Clearly, if you’re not training there’s obviously a question mark over your availability,’’ assistant coach Mark Jones said.
‘‘We just want to be really clear and make sure we’ve got a really fit, healthy and energised squad on Wednesday. And if
Scott comes back in on Wednesday with that type of feeling and mentality he’ll be up for selection. If not, then the next cab off the rank will do a good job I’m sure.’’
The Crusaders are already without locks Sam Whitelock (sabbatical) and Quinten Strange (hand), leaving Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano and Cullen Grace.
Barrett did not sport any strapping at Rugby Park yesterday afternoon, where the team was put through an intense session in sweltering 32degC heat. Joining him in sitting out the session were prop Oli Jager (concussion) and outside back Will Jordan, who picked up a groin strain late in last week’s match.
Both look set to be unavailable for the match, with wing Leicester Faingaanuku particularly playing a prominent role at yesterday’s training.
Jones also confirmed X-rays on No 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas’ two broken fingers indicated he was not set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Whether or not pivot Richie Mo’unga takes back the kicking duties from David Havili on Friday night remains up in air.
Mo’unga, who missed the round two loss to the Chiefs, a week after feeling tightness in his groin before the season-opener, has not yet taken a shot at goal this season.
Welshman Jones and the rest of the Crusaders coaching staff did not cut the squad any slack in uncomfortably hot conditions to start the week.
If anything, they trained longer than usual and the intensity was as high as any other session to open the week.
‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen 32 degrees unless I’ve been on holiday,’’ said Jones, a former Scarlets player and assistant coach who represented Wales 47 times.
‘‘Today was just about planting the seeds, putting some detail in around what we think will be some key areas, some key battlegrounds over the weekend.’’