Scott Barrett’s troublesome back continues to cast doubt on his Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific comeback.
The All Black captain remains sidelined ahead of the Crusaders’ penultimate regular season match - against the Chiefs in Christchurch tomorrow - and faces a race against time to clock Super Rugby minutes before the test season.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney says it is hard to know when asked if he thought the second rower would play this season.
Penney says Barrett is just having a continuation of his frustration with his back, getting seen to by all the important people, but at this stage, not available.
Barrett’s back complaint has derailed his plan to return from his non-playing sabbatical at the back end of the regular season, much like hooker Codie Taylor in 2024.
Fourth on the ladder with 32 competition points, the Crusaders could finish as high as third, while the Brumbies (29 points) and Reds (28 points) are breathing down their neck.
The Crusaders’ chances of surpassing the Blues and finishing third have been boosted by the timely return of their best player.
Fullback Will Jordan is back from the calf injury that’s sidelined him since April 3, boosting a team that’s struggled for consistency and polish on attack all season.
Jordan’s return coincides with that of another form Crusader - wing Chay Fihaki - who has been sidelined through a hamstring injury since round 10.
The Crusaders host the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow.
In other games, the Waratahs play the Brumbies at 9.35pm tomorrow, Moana Pasifika will meet the Reds at 4.35pm Saturday, the Hurricanes will face the Highlanders at 7.05pm, while the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua play the Force at 9.35pm.
Source: stuff.co.nz
