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Chay Fihaki to put pressure on Will Jordan after extending stay with Crusaders

By Online Editors
Chay Fihaki. (Photo by Andrew Cornaga/Photosport)

Dynamic young utility back Chay Fihaki has re-signed with the Crusaders, presenting exciting prospects for the team taking the field in the 2023 season.

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Fihaki signed with the Crusaders in 2020 as a 19-year-old and has since gone from strength to strength, playing seven matches in the red and black and showing great potential.

During his youth career Fihaki played through the midfield but as he has progressed through Canterbury and Crusaders development pathways, he has nestled into a role at fullback.

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Fihaki’s mission for 2023 will be to soak up as much knowledge as possible from some of his All Black teammates.

“I’m feeling excited about the season coming up. 2023 will be another year for me to grow, especially learning off the more senior players and All Blacks,” Fihaki said.

“My focus will definitely be on being more confident and backing my skillset.”

Fihaki’s X-Factor has been outlined by Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who said, “Chay has a massive boot and the ability to create something from nothing.”

Fihaki made just three starts and six appearances for the Crusaders throughout this year’s title-winning campaign thanks to the presence of some heavy artillery in the outside backs.

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With the likes of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, David Havili and Leicester Fainga’anuku all on the books for next year, Fihaki will once again face a massive challenge to earn minutes for the Super Rugby Pacific champions, but the likely absence of George Bridge will at least open up some more opportunities for the youngster.

Fihaki has been a relevant constant at the back for Canterbury throughout this year’s NPC season and with more experience under his belt, will be looking to put pressure on Jordan for the Crusaders fullback berth next season.

– with Crusaders Rugby

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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