Crusaders' injury list swells to 14, opening doors for Highlanders derby

The Crusaders are nursing a significant crop of injuries as they enter yet another Kiwi derby, this time against their southern foes, the Highlanders, who beat them in round 1.

Playmakers James White and Taha Kemara are both new additions to the recovery ward, with the former expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder issue, having made his Super Rugby debut in round 2. Kemara is recovering from a concussion.

Jamie Hannah and Corey Kellow are each expected to miss 2-3 weeks with hip and rib injuries, respectively, while Dom Gardiner is set for a slightly longer recovery period as he manages knee and ankle injuries.

The loose forward injuries have opened the door for Johnny Lee, a recent New Zealand U20 standout, to make his debut in the No.7 jersey.

“He’s worked really hard in our environment and got himself in great nick. He’s a classy loose forward who can do all things, a big body who gets locked into the breakdown and has really good flexibility,” head coach Rob Penney said of the 22-year-old.

George Bell has made a swifter-than-expected recovery from his foot injury to return to the gameday squad, and “world-class defender” Braydon Ennor returns to the starting team, with Leicester Fainga’anuku dropped to the bench.

Chay Fihaki is set to bring up 50 games for the Crusaders in the contest.

“Chay’s journey has been special. He’s matured into a player who brings calm, skill and spark, and we’re incredibly proud of him hitting 50,” Penney said of the wing, who has again been named to start in the No.14 jersey this weekend.

Fihaki and the returning Will Jordan will have their work cut out for them against a kick-heavy Highlanders outfit, and Penney was adamant the team’s mindset is in the right place to compete.

“All the games now are loaded with a lot of kicking. The group’s really well connected, enjoy each other’s company, desperate to do well.

“There’s a deep determination to turn this around.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

28

19

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

Crusaders team to face the Highlanders:

1. Finlay Brewis
2. Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Tahlor Cahill
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Johnny Lee*
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havili (C)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan

Reserves

16. George Bell
17. George Bower
18. Seb Calder
19. Will Tucker
20. Xavier Saifoloi
21. Kyle Preston
22. Leicester Fainga’anuku
23. Dallas McLeod

* Denotes debut

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:   

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Hip, 2 weeks
Corey KELLOW: Ribs, 2-3 weeks
Jamie HANNAH: Hip, 2-3 weeks
Johnny MCNICOLL:  Hamstring, 3-5 weeks
Liam JACK:  Hamstring, 4-6 weeks
Maloni KUNAWAVE:  Hamstring, 4-6 weeks
Macca SPRINGER:  Quad, 4-6 weeks
Cooper ROBERTS:  Stress fracture (fibula), 4-6 weeks
Dom GARDINER: Ankle/ knee, 3-4 weeks
Taha KEMARA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Toby BELL: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, Unclear
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season