Crusaders optimistic Sevu Reece will start in the playoffs

The Crusaders are optimistic Sevu Reece will play in the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal against the Reds after he trained with the team yesterday.

Wing Reece was forced to retire in the ninth minute of last Friday's match against the Reds, won 28-15 by the Crusaders in Christchurch, because he required a head injury assessment and needed to be replaced by fellow All Black George Bridge.

The re-match against the Reds, who have remained in Christchurch to prepare for the sudden-death fixture, will again be staged at Orangetheory Stadium and the early indications are that Reece will be available to line-up on the right wing.

Crusaders assistant coach Scott Hansen confirmed Reece had given few indications that he was suffering any ill-effects from his head knock but was still required to be closely monitored.

If Reece is set to start, he will likely join a backline that also includes All Blacks Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue.

10-times Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders, will host the Queensland Reds at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch at 7.05pm Friday.

The Waratahs will meet the Chiefs at 4.35pm Saturday in the second quarter-final.

The table-topping Blues will play the Highlanders at Eden Park in Auckland at 7.05pm Saturday. Finally, the last quarter-final is at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, where the Brumbies play the Hurricanes at 9.45 pm Saturday.

Source: Stuff.co.nz