Robertson: Long injury list hurts
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson admits the latest string of injuries to hit his side may prove challenging.
The Crusaders, who sit comfortably atop the Super Rugby Aotearoa ladder, will be without Braydon Ennor for tomorrow’s match against the Hurricanes after the midfielder injured his foot in their win over the Blues two weeks ago.
Ennor’s absence — possibly for another two weeks — follows seasonending injuries to vice-captain David Havili (thumb) and loose forward Ethan Blackadder (knee), who join skipper Scott Barrett and standout flanker Cullen Grace on the sideline.
Robertson lamented those losses, especially utility back Havili, but was also excited to give opportunities to others, with the versatile Fetuli Paea given his first chance to start with Jack Goodhue in the midfield.
“With David out not being able to cover 10 and 12, it’s huge,” Robertson said. “It makes it quite challenging but exciting because you give other guys opportunities.
“Fetuli’s taken his opportunities when he’s been given them. I have a lot of faith with him at 13 with Jack so hopefully the combination [works well]. He’s been there training for quite a while during the season and now’s his chance.”
Robertson was ultimately looking on the bright side.
“[The injuries] would be concerning if we had 10 games left or so. But it’s quite interesting because you look at it and the depth of our squad, every time someone’s got an opportunity they’ve taken it. And then they haven’t really given that jersey away.”
Another player to get the call-up is Will Jordan who returns to the starting line-up to go head-to-head against in-form Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett.
“It’s a great match-up really with Jordie who’s come back and been huge for them,” Robertson said. “Will’s been incredible for us — hell of a match-up; two incredible athletes with the 15 jersey on.
“Will is obviously highly competent under the high ball, he’s got a great kicking game and just gets better the more games he plays. Now is the opportunity, unfortunately for Dave who’s out, now it’s Will’s jersey.”
One Hurricanes player on Robertson’s radar is
Ngani Laumape, who is coming off a sensational performance against the Blues last week where he outclassed All Blacks superstar
Beauden Barrett.
“Ngani was on, wasn’t he? He was at his best and it’s great to see. He carried a lot of the Hurricanes and they followed him when he got rolling. Our midfield understands the challenge ahead.”
The Crusaders are five points clear of the second-placed Blues at the top of the table with a game in hand, and could even mathematically clinch the title as early as next week. However, the ever-focused Robertson was determined not be complacent, despite their position. “We’re looking at it probably a bit differently than how many points we need. Obviously there’s a lot on all these games — a lot of history and records. For us it’s exciting. Each week feels like a final.
“Every team has got the ability to beat any team. If you just look at the results and how tight they’ve been in the last sort of 10/15/20 minutes.”
The Hurricanes will be without All Blacks hooker Dane Coles for the clash due to a back injury, with Asafo Aumua taking his place. Wes Goosen comes in for Kobus van Wyk in the 14 jersey on the wing.