Fiji born All Blacks winger Sevu Reece will run out for his 100th game for the Crusaders tomorrow when they take on the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific table topping Hurricanes at 7.05pm.
Reece says this whole week he has been looking back to that Fijian kid who first came down to Christchurch just to train as injury cover.
He says getting the chance to play one game was a blessing in itself, and now getting to do it 100 times is just amazing.
The former Queen Victoria School student says he knew the milestone was coming early in the season and made it a clear focus.
He says he knew the 100th game was around the corner, so he had to do everything right and get the body right adding that it is very special, not just for him but for his family as well.
For head coach Rob Penney, Reece’s century is a fitting reflection of his influence on and off the field.
Penney says week to week Reece’s always leading metres, high‑speed metres and intensity as he has got X‑factor with work rate, and that’s been a hallmark of him since he has been with the club.
The match also carries added significance off the field, with the fixture doubling as the Crusaders’ Men’s Mental Health Match.
The occasion highlights the importance of checking in, starting conversations, and using the platform of rugby to shine a light on an issue that affects many.
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooa says they are people before being athletes or coaches, and the human aspect is massively important.
The Crusaders take on the Hurricanes at 7.05pm tomorrow.
In other games, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Reds at 9.35pm, Moana Pasifika meet the Brumbies at 4.35pm Saturday, the Chiefs face the Blues at 7.05pm, while the Force take on the Waratahs at 9.35pm.
