Samu cleared

Scott Robertson isn’t worried about having to shut his red-hot Crusaders juggernaut down from Super Rugby for a month.

Despite a couple of turbulent weeks, which included having to deal with suspensions to Owen Franks and Joe Moody and injuries to fellow internationals Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty, as well as the disruption of the All Blacks’ camps, the Crusaders defied the odds to keep winning and are now on the cusp of securing a home quarterfinal.

The 34-20 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night, the title holders’ 10th consecutive victory of the season, was the work of a title-hungry beast.

It not only cemented the Crusaders at the top of the competition log, and it would require a string of unexpected results in the final three regular-season rounds to blow them off their perch, but once again reinforced they are capable of dealing with significant disruptions.

Losing All Blacks Jordan Taufua (sore calf) and Jack Goodhue (tight hamstring) at late notice could have been catastrophic prior to playing the Chiefs, but instead the Crusaders just squinted their eyes and raised their gloves in preparation for the stoush at FMG Stadium.

‘‘One thing for sure, it has been an interesting couple of weeks,’’ Robertson said with a laugh.

‘‘You think you are trucking along OK in terms of injuries and building a bit of depth, and then you have to bring in another debutant in the likes of Tima Faingaanuku [a late replacement on the bench in Hamilton].’’ Crusaders flanker Peter Samu has been cleared to join the Wallabies after Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby reached an agreement.

Samu joined the Australian squad assembling in Brisbane yesterday ahead of the three-test series against Ireland starting in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said Melbourne-born Samu had been released for a potential test debut after what she described as ‘‘robust but fair’’ discussions with New Zealand Rugby.

Jabbing a finger in the direction of reserve loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett, who was making his 200th appearance for the Crusaders was a reminder of what was also at stake, said Robertson. In other words, the post-match beer would taste a bit flat if they hadn’t given the bloke something to celebrate.

‘‘A lot of our mindset for the week was

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