‘World class’ Havili a starter for 10 for Crusaders
Scott Robertson has departed but his influence continues at the Crusaders, after David Havili was confirmed as the longterm holder of the red-and-black No 10 jersey.
Coach Rob Penney could barely contain his excitement as he named Havili at first-five and Wales great Leigh Halfpenny at fullback – the words “world class” were used liberally – for tomorrow’s match against the Reds in Christchurch.
The Crusaders lost seven of their first eight this season under Penney, as they struggled to fill the void left by Richie Mo’unga’s departure to Japan, as well as injury to Fergus Burke.
Havili’s move from 12 to 10 had been a while in the making, but wasn’t hastened until Robertson, the All Blacks coach, got in touch.
“If we could slip him in there they’d be very appreciative,” said Penney of the call from the All Blacks coaches.
“We’ve talked about it often as a coaching group, but it wasn’t until the All Blacks confirmed that they were really interested in seeing him playing there, that was a shift in a couple of people’s minds to go that way.
“I’d say they [All Blacks] would be very excited about having David Havili in the mix and being able to play 10, 12 and 13 really effectively, and 15 if required. He’s such a versatile player and doesn’t that make an international bench really exciting?”
Chiefs pivot Damian McKenzie looks a short-priced favourite to wear No 10 against England in Dunedin on July 6, with Jordie Barrett at No 12. Havili on the bench will be an even more appealing prospect for Robertson now.
Despite Burke being close to returning, Penney said Havili was their first choice 10 for the foreseeable future to build a settled combination with midfielders Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua. Rivez Reihana drops to the reserves.
Havili jumped into the driver’s seat off the bench last weekend as the Crusaders beat the Rebels 39-0 to inch up to 10th on the ladder.
Said Penney: “He’s an outstanding worldclass talent and has embraced the challenge of being a 10 which is so exciting. He’s got all the attributes that you need in a world-class 10, and him embracing it gives us an opportunity to unleash him.”
Halfpenny, meanwhile, makes his long-awaited Super Rugby debut after suffering a chest injury in the Crusaders’ pre-season match against Munster.
The 35-year-old, with 101 caps for Wales to his name, will do the goalkicking and Penney had no hesitation in handing Halfpenny a start rather than easing him off the bench.
“Part of the recruitment process with Leigh was around getting a world class performer in the back field with our younger players.
“Once we lost Will [Jordan] that was the hope … He’s been training the house down the last month to six weeks and he’s earned the right to slip into that 15 jersey.”
Back at home in a welcome afternoon kickoff, the Crusaders are $1.26 favourites with the TAB to beat the Reds, who are sixth after a 41-34 loss to the Blues in a Brisbane thriller.
After a torrid few weeks, Penney hoped they could simply capture the energy and momentum from their Rebels shut-out, and harness it for the rest of the season.