'He belongs at Super Rugby level': Young Crusaders hooker shines in front row injury crisis

There wasn’t much to smile about for Rob Penney in round two of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, as his team was completely dismantled in the second half by the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Despite their severe front-row injury crisis, Penney has had young 24-year-old hooker Ioane Moananu step up to the plate after George Bell picked up a serious injury in his foot.

The small fracture in Bell’s foot will keep him out for the whole Super Rugby Pacific campaign, giving more opportunities to Moananu and New Zealand U20 player Manumaua Letiu.

Moananu made his debut for the Crusaders in 2023 against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, scoring a try on debut in a historic victory for the Drua.

Moananu has impressed in the first two games of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, getting two starts for the Crusaders and playing over 70 minutes against both the Hurricanes and the Chiefs.

Penney admits that it’s been a long road for the 24-year-old, but he’s proud of the way Moananu has worked at his game.

“He’s been working away in the last couple of years in the wider training group, and hasn’t had a lot of access,” Penney said to media after the game at FMG Stadium Waikato.

“Now all of a sudden, he’s started. Played brilliant last week for us against the Hurricanes and played well again tonight.”

Penney says that the way in which Moananu has been able to take his chance in the No.2 jersey, is a massive credit to the young hooker.

“It’s just amazing, it’s great credit to him.

“He (Moananu) belongs at Super level, and he’s earned the right to wear that jersey for the Crusaders.”

Moananu made six carries and eight tackles against the Chiefs on Friday night, backing up his standout performance last week where he made 11 tackles and eight carries.

Penney doesn’t think that the Crusaders will get some players back from injury during the bye period, but won’t be sure of that until later on in bye week.

“Don’t think so for the Reds, maybe the week after for the Western Force, or maybe the next.”

The Crusaders are one win and one loss from two games, leading into the bye this weekend in round three, before taking on the Reds at home in round four.