Brisbane-bound Crusaders take cautious approach with Will Jordan injury

The Crusaders will be without Will Jordan for their round 9 matchup against the Reds due to a calf complaint. The injury has coincided with David Havili’s return to resume his captaincy duties.

Jordan had captained the Christchurch outfit in Havili’s absence, but now faces an uncertain timeline in his recovery from the lower-leg issue.

“Will came in on Monday with a wee bit of stiffness in his calf,” Crusaders head coach Rob Penney explained.

“He tried to get going, but it just wasn’t worth pushing him. He’s had a big workload, and this is just an unfortunate set of circumstances. He’ll get the chance to freshen up.”

Johnny McNicholl has recovered from the hamstring injury that has plagued him for the past six months in time to step into the starting fullback role for the Crusaders, with the familiar backline of Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Chay Fihaki all set to square off with Queensland’s best.

Penney said Havili’s return was a welcome sight for the team.

“His leadership is without doubt. The boys love playing for him and with him. He’s in really good shape, he’s got over his injury really well, and he’s ready to go. He’s tough, skilful, a triple threat, and he brings a lot to our team. It’s great to have him back,” says Penney.

Up front, George Bower, George Bell, and Fletcher Newell have been given the starting nod, but that comes with concern over last weekend’s four-try milestone man, Codie Taylor, who is listed as out with a hamstring injury. The All Blacks centurion’s timeline is also unclear.

Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah have been named as the starting lock pairing once again, with Dom Gardiner, Corey Kellow and Christian Lio-Willie rounding out the starting forward pack.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

31

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Crusaders team to face the Reds:

1. George Bower
2. George Bell
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Dom Gardiner
7. Corey Kellow
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havili (C)
13. Leicester Fainga’anuku
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

16. Manumaua Letiu
17. Finlay Brewis
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Johnny Lee
21. Louie Chapman
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Dallas McLeod

Injury list

Kyle PRESTON: Knee, 2-4 weeks
Braydon ENNOR: Hamstring, 2-4 weeks
Liam JACK:  Hamstring, 3-4 weeks
Ethan BLACKADDER, Calf, 3-4 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Will JORDAN: Calf, Unclear
Codie TAYLOR: Hamstring, Unclear
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, Unclear
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS, Discitis, out for the season