Franks still absent for Canterbury
Unwanted All Blacks prop Owen Franks has been training with Canterbury, but just when he might play for the red-and-blacks remains unclear.
Franks, who last week was surprisingly omitted from the All Blacks 31-man squad for the World Cup, will not front against secondplaced Auckland at Eden Park tomorrow afternoon.
Having the veteran tighthead in their lineup would have been a boost for 1-3 Canterbury as they prepare for the 2018 final rematch, particularly with fellow tighthead Michael Alaalatoa unavailable while representing Samoa.
‘‘He’s trained with the boys a couple of times, but right now we’re just giving him a bit of time and space. He will come back when he’s ready, if he wants to,’’ Canterbury assistant coach Reuben Thorne said.
Last week, speaking to Stuff, Franks indicated he was reluctant to take the place of someone who is going to commit to the province for a longer term, or is chasing a Super Rugby contract.
However, injuries could yet result in the 31-year-old being required in Japan, and you can bet All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will desire Franks remains match-fit.
‘‘I’m not sure,’’ Thorne said when asked when Franks could don the red-and-black jersey.
‘‘That’s a discussion he will have with [head coach] Joe [Maddock]. I know he’s a keen Canterbury man and he’s been here at Canterbury and had some input already.’’
Crusaders tighthead Oli Jager will start in the No 3 jersey tomorrow with Highlander Siate Tokolahi named on the bench.
While Canterbury won’t have Ryan Crotty in the mix this week, fellow Crusader Braydon Ennor will start at centre after missing last weekend’s 80-0 pasting of Southland due to a family bereavement.
Avoiding a fourth loss in five weeks to start the season is paramount for Canterbury who remain at the bottom of the Premiership standings after their worst start to campaign since 1992.
‘‘It is tough, you start looking at a few things a bit deeper, trying to figure out why the performances haven’t been where they need to be,’’ captain Luke Whitelock said of his team’s start.
‘‘You can obviously start looking at things, some things might not be so relevant. You’ve just got to focus back to a couple of things and do them really well . . . and that’s the way you can start getting some momentum.’’
Including Auckland’s thrilling
40-33 extra time win in last year’s decider at Eden Park, tomorrow’s hosts edge the head-to-head stakes
49-48. The teams have also drawn five of the 102 games played since
1883.
‘‘You play Auckland, they’re always bloody tough and they take you to some deep spots,’’ Whitelock said.
‘‘As long as everyone does their own job, collectively, we will be good.’’