'Razor's teed up a trusty chef': Will Jordan's cheeky jab at Hamilton

The Crusaders know how to win Super Rugby titles and they aren’t going to be taking any chances when they face a fit and firing Chiefs side in Hamilton on Saturday.

That caution extends to off the field as well, at least according to a bantering Will Jordan on Newshub’s AM show.

AM newsreader Michael O’Keeffe – brother of referee Ben O’Keefe who will hold the whistle in the final – asked whether a supposed Crusaders ritual still existed where the team would charter a flight for Hamilton games to avoid hanging around the Chiefs faithful.

“Nah,” Jordan laughed, before firing a quip of his own. “We’re getting there the night before. Obviously, Razor’s teed up a trusty chef to cook us our prematch meal tomorrow night so there’s no food poisoning going around.

“That might have been an issue back in the day maybe, but we’re up there tomorrow. We’ll get amongst the Waikato spirit nice and early, get a feel for it before the game on Saturday.”

The light-hearted line of questioning continued when Jordan was asked if the Super Rugby trophy had gathered much dust having sat in the Crusaders’ trophy cabinet for the past six years. The All Black’s professionalism kicked in for the answer.

“We’ve always had a mindset that each year is its own entity, so we’re not talking too much about defending it this week,” he said. “It’s been more about going to win it – but I’m sure somebody at the park has given it a bit of a clean-up anyway, just in case we do have to hand it over.”

Uncertainty looms over the result and equally, whether Crusaders legend Sam Whitelock will feature in the contest after suffering an Achilles injury in the side’s final regular season game against the Hurricanes.

Ian Foster was asked on Sunday if he expected Whitelock to participate in the final and said from what medical information he had been provided with, he would expect the lock to be sidelined.

Those comments made Thursday’s team naming a surprise when the centurion was named in the starting squad. Coach Scott Robertson later clarified that Whitelock’s involvement in the game will be decided by the man himself and may well be a game-time call.

Jordan added further insight into Whitelock’s state and his “young bones”.

“Sammy’s got a wee run to get through today, but he’s obviously got a few young bones that are left in his body, he’s a bit of a rapid healer. He’s been doing everything he can over the last couple of weeks to get himself right. I know he’s got a bit of a test to get through today but things are looking somewhat positive.

“Would be great to have his experience and guidance out there if he does get through.”