Injury concerns for the Crusaders as Blues win pre season clash in Kirwee

The small Canterbury town of Kirwee only has a population of slightly under 1,200, but they came out in numbers to support the Crusaders and the Blues yesterday afternoon.

Pre season is all about gaining momentum ahead of the new season, trying new combinations and hopefully avoiding any major injuries. 

The Blues have reportedly come through unscathed, but the Crusaders on the other hand are waiting to get the full report on shoulder injuries to two props, Finlay Brewis and Seb Calder. 

Both props came off the field in the opening 20 minutes, not the most ideal news Rob Penney and his staff will receive after an injury-hit season last year negatively impacted their season.

The Vern Cotter-coached Blues started the better in Kirwee, opening the scoring as Adrian Choat crashed over the line, with loose forward teammate Anton Segner by his side to help him over the line.

The Blues led 7-0 at the quarter and halftime points before the Crusaders hit back after the break.

One-cap Canterbury NPC midfielder Toby Bell was on the end of a nice backline move as he crossed the line to even things up just after halftime.

Tasman winger Macca Springer found his way to the line, giving the Crusaders their first lead of the match after a nice long pass in midfield.

Former Wallabies first-five James O’Connor had a positive impact off the bench, replacing Taha Kemara at first-five for Penney’s side.

The 34-year-old was able to set up winger Maloni Kunawave to score in the corner, tying things up at 14 a piece after three quarters.

Up-and-coming young Blues first-five Rico Simpson impressed in the second half, converting four tries and creating a Sam Nock try after a small line break and offload. The offload set free New Zealand U20 midfielder Xavi Taele before Nock powered his way over the line. 

German-born loose forward Anton Segner found his way over the white chalk after he received quick ball from reserve halfback Lisati Milo-Harris. 

The Blues were able to add another try late in the last quarter, winning the pre season outing 35-19.