1
Crusaders set for talent logjam after utility back David Havili reveals his preferred playing position
Crusaders utility back David Havili has revealed he would prefer to play fullback this season as he targets a return to the All Blacks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Havili was a standout for the Christchurch-based franchise in 2020 as he played a starring role for the side in between an emergency bowel surgery and a broken thumb both before and after New Zealand’s nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.
Flourishing in his utility role, the 26-year-old featured mostly at fullback last year, but also spent time at first-five, and is capable of covering in the midfield as well.
So good were Havili’s performances across the backline that many projected him to be included in Ian Foster’s All Blacks squad for the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations, but his international prospects were scuppered by his thumb injury.
Now back at Crusaders headquarters for pre-season training after helping guide Tasman to a second successive Mitre 10 Cup title, questions have been raised over where he will be deployed following Braydon Ennor’s season-ending knee injury.
The one-test All Blacks midfielder ruptured his ACL while playing for the South Island in last year’s North vs South clash in Wellington, leaving the Crusaders without one of their key players.
Given his ability to play at second-five, Havili looms as a suitable replacement, but, as he told reporters on Wednesday, he sometimes views his versatility as a source of frustration as it is at fullback where he would rather play.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I thrive on it, but, at the same time, it can be frustrating at times,” he said of his ability to play in three separate positions.
“But, any jersey that I put on for the Crusaders, I’m going to do my best for the team, whether that’s in the midfield or out the back, but I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge this year.”
However, just because he can play equally well in either position doesn’t necessarily mean Havili harbours an equal desire to play in both spots.
“There could be injuries all over the backline, so it definitely plays in my favour that I can play in a couple of other positions, but if I can get into the No. 15 position, [that’s] where I’m most preferred,” he said when asked if Ennor’s injury could see him move into the midfield.
ADVERTISEMENT
Havili attributed the open style of play and aerial duels that comes with the No. 15 jersey as the reason why it’s his favourite position.
The Crusaders will be without their second-string hooker for the entire Super Rugby season.https://t.co/D262lKcHb1
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 26, 2021
“I just think there’s a lot of freedom. You can pop up anywhere and it’s a good place to be when you’re at the back and you’re sort of taking high balls. I just really enjoy being at the back.”
As impressive as he was for the Crusaders while playing at fullback last year, Havili’s eagerness to play there could create a logjam of talent in the position given the presence of rising All Blacks star Will Jordan and injury cover Josh McKay.
Add to the mix the likes of All Blacks pair George Bridge and Sevu Reece, as well as talented youngster Leicester Fainga’anuku, and the Crusaders have a stacked outside back cohort which might force Havili into the No. 12 jersey.
It’s a predicament Crusaders assistant coach Scott Hansen feels his side are fortunate to have considering the depth of talent at their disposal.
“We’re lucky enough that we’ve got versatility there in Dave. We’ll put the best team that we can out each week and [pick] players in positions we feel can contribute,” he told reporters.
Hansen added that the value of having someone who can cover as many positions as Havili is significant, and noted that having players of that ilk is “one of the greatest strengths” for the Crusaders.
“I think it’s really important. You look at the selection, at what it gives you both on the field and the bench and the way you can play around with your player roster there, around your makeup, so it’s vital for us.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve got Davey that can fill all those roles, and not only fill them, but fill them as a world-class distributor.”
Regardless of where Havili ends up playing, the three-test All Black is eager to put his injury concerns and positional worries aside as he aims for a return to the international stage for the first time since 2017.
“I’m fully fit this year, which is quite nice to be. But, for me, just being competitive each week and really pushing what jersey I’m playing in each week and just being real consistent in what I do,” he said of what’s required of him for an All Blacks comeback.
“I think I’m playing really well and really consistent and hopefully I can carry on from what I started at Mitre 10 Cup level.”
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman is still four months away, but a Brumbies star is already eyeing a title challenge when Australia's Super Rugby sides go head-to-head with their New Zealand opposites.https://t.co/wOrL3Vm08x
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 27, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
Finally, an answer to Dan Carter.
1 Go to commentsNever read such tripe. He was hit just as he passed the ball which was reviewed and deemed legal by yes the Australian TMO and referee
17 Go to commentsTerrible idea…will be too hot, no one will travel, fan zones will be promised nice cold guinness and last minute will get water. Also how do you squeeze this into the already busy battle rhythm, Prem, summer series, 6 nations & world cup….if, and its a big IF you’re going to do this, do it in a rugby nation.
2 Go to commentsWell let’s hope world rugby doesn't read some of this nonsense, because next on the agenda will be…“players will only tackle other players deemed to be in their weight class, and only with moderate velocity”.
17 Go to commentsI was never allowed to adjust boots, or ever replaced, while I was playing and staying on the field. If I had issues, I had to go to the sideline and fix them myself. Then I would ask the ref to get back in. That would really make you deal with it FAST!
4 Go to commentsGreat point. It would be terrible to have a card for poor tackling cost the all blacks a world cup. Oh hi all blacks captain Sam Cane, how you going?
17 Go to commentsI like Andy’s critical approach to all hot issues especially when it comes to the rugby big “bosses”. However, sorry Andy, I don’t support your “we shouldn’t be questioning the integrity of Karl Dickson or any other official”. May I ask why? They do have a lot of responsibility, but they are people like us with all their sins and weaknesses. We have to respect their decision during the games, but why they became untouchable afterwards and people cannot even criticize them and the ones, who does express their concerns, got punished for publicly analyzing their mistakes and asking questions. If they believe they did right, there shouldn’t be a problem for any of the refs to answer these “questions” publicly. I don’t really remember such cases. However, I do remember how Craig Joubert shown his running skills in 2015 or Pascal Gauzere shined in Cardiff in 2021. I do believe that Rassie, as anybody else, had a full right to share his vision of Nic Berry’s performance the same year. I do not support the hate in any form especially in public one, but creating the cast of untouchable refs and rugby bosses is not for me. As for Karl, he had all means to question his appointment for the game and since I don’t now whether he did it, blaming just RFU wouldn’t be quite correct at this moment. I love the game of rugby and almost every time I watch it I don’t support any team, I just wanna see the good game and fair referring. Sorry, Karl. last Saturday you got my Craig Joubert”s award of the round. It is up to Karl to prove that I am wrong, not to Andy or RFU’s corporate bla-bla-bla. Something like that…
1 Go to commentswell remember the blues had a guy called jed rowlands for a season. remember scott took his coaching team with him give him time
15 Go to commentswell maybe he needs to be introduced to darcy swain then who never got anything much and put a cheifs ands allblack player out injured and made him miss a season recovering
17 Go to commentswell maybe the match offficals should sort it out if they are worried about it and stop the clock
4 Go to commentsI totally agree. I also believe that minor injuries unless dangerous must be treared OFF the field of play and the game continue with a temp replacement if necessary.
4 Go to commentsSend the bill to McLennan.
3 Go to comments2 out of 3 were perfect. TMOs love jumping in on anything outside the law. The fact they saw nothing wrong speaks volumes. You want to see what a late blindside hit looks like, watch Kepu take out Carter in the 2015 World Cup final. Completely different to the Tah’s tackle.
17 Go to commentsverkeerde kant van die gereg lol
5 Go to commentsJust like John Plumtree at the Sharks he has had a poor start to this season’s coaching gig, but now it looks like he is starting to pull them back also having won 1 game in the first Eleven games they played. It obviously helps that 11 of his fifteen are Springbok players. But now they are starting to improve. No ways they can make it to the playoffs this year but they probably used this season as a way to figure out their game plan. One query I have and I think quite a few people have is: Are they playing better simply because of their international players are back or is it the team strategy led by Rob Penney that is starting to tick? Well I guess we wait and see. Also if it doesn't work out this season, it might be that Rob Penney is using this season as a way to organize himself for next season. Getting all his combinations sorted, his team strategies sorted and figuring out who is best is which position. Now I don't follow Super Rugby any more having now a full focus in the URC but I was surprised about the current Crusaders stats.
15 Go to commentsIf I’m a little bloke, who’s just had possession of the ball, I should expect to get cleaned up by Samipeni Finau if he’s opposite me and I do nothing to avoid him. FTFY You’ll need to rewrite the rest of your article now Hamish Bidwell. I’m not sorry for having missed reading this one. I find it hilarious it’s only the static aussie 10s, just waiting there, that are getting smashed. Move on your feet guys, haven’t you watched DMac and Mounga play for the last decade ffs. Chin up, at least your smiles should return when BB returns to SR next year and there’s more 10s to the fodder.
17 Go to commentsFinau is not leaving a lot of room for error that’s true, but he committed to 3 out of four tackles when the player had the ball so that’s all legal. (And incredibly entertaining)
17 Go to commentsHow does the size of the ‘bloke being hit’ factor into this? If you’re on the opposing team you are fair game. Is Finau the first person in history to target the first five? It seems like this is a great strategy to interrupt your opponents attack. As far as I’m aware, of the four excellent hits on Aussie first fives this year only one of them was ruled late. So if crying about legal tackles isn’t whingeing, then what is it?
17 Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
139 Go to commentsMost underrated player in world rugby.
2 Go to comments