Crusaders captain David Havili in action against the Blues at Eden Park at the weekend. (Source: Photosport)
A training field scrap between two Crusaders forwards today has been welcomed by head coach Rob Penney.
It was reported that prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker came to blows at their side's Rugby Park headquarters in Christchurch following the Crusaders' 29-13 defeat to the Blues at Eden Park at the weekend.
Skipper David Havili helped stop the confrontation, which occurred days after the latest loss.
When asked at a press conference afterwards if there was tension at camp, Penney says they are very proud young men who are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time, but it is not a thing that is going to affect them negatively.
After losing their first game of the season to the Highlanders in Dunedin, they have the opportunity for revenge on Saturday night when they host the southerners at 6.05pm.
In other games, the Hurricanes play the Force at 6.05pm Saturday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Brumbies at 3.35pm Saturday, the Reds will face the Waratahs at 8.35pm Saturday, while the Blues play Moana Pasifika at 2.35pm Sunday.