Crusaders welcome back Will Jordan for sold-out Chiefs bout

All Blacks superstar Will Jordan is back for the Crusaders this week, having overcome a calf injury that has kept him on the sidelines since round 8.

The fullback isn’t the only returnee for the defending champions in round 15, with Chay Fihaki also cleared to start on the right wing and Taha Kemara back on the bench.

“I haven’t been a great spectator the last few weeks, especially with everything going on around the new stadium. To be back now and able to contribute to a team that’s been going well over the last month is pretty special,” said Jordan.

On the flip side of the injury coin is lock Tahlor Cahill, who has been sidelined for an estimated 2-3 weeks with a hamstring complaint. In his place on the bench is potential debutant Liam Jack, son of ex-Crusader Graham and nephew to ex-Crusader and All Black Chris Jack.

“It’s very exciting, and it’s been quite a long time coming, with a lot of work and a couple of injuries in between. I can’t wait,” Jack said.

“It’s pretty cool. I’d say my family are quite proud. Hopefully I can wear a number like my dad and my uncle did, that’d be really special.”

Elsewhere in the team, George Bell has suffered a calf injury, opening the door for Manumaua Letiu over the next 3-4 weeks. Leicester Fainga’anuku remains at openside flanker, and Sevu Reece has shifted to the left wing to accommodate Fihaki on the right.

While the Crusaders were busy enjoying a bye last week, their fans were busy buying tickets, with this weekend’s Chiefs clash selling out a full week in advance of the game. It’s the third straight sell-out since the 25,000-seat One New Zealand Stadium opened its doors for Super Round.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

25

32

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

60%

Crusaders team to face the Chiefs: 

1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Leicester Fainga’anuku
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havili (C)
13. Dallas McLeod
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan

Reserves

16. Manumaua Letiu
17. Jack Sexton
18. Seb Calder
19. Liam Jack*
20. Dom Gardiner
21. Kyle Preston
22. Taha Kemara
23. Johnny McNicholl

Injury list

Cullen GRACE:  Knee, 1 week
Finlay BREWIS: Calf, 1 week
Tahlor CAHILL: Hamstring, 2-3 weeks
Braydon ENNOR: Hamstring, 3 weeks
Maloni KUNAWAVE: Hamstring, 3 weeks
George BELL: Calf, 3-4 weeks
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Neck, 3-6 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Will TUCKER: Shoulder, TBC
Toby BELL: Shoulder, out for the season
Mitch DRUMMOND: Shoulder, out for the season
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS: Discitis, out for the season