David Havili and Will Jordan are back for the Crusaders home-opener against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Sunday.
However, head coach Scott Robertson has refrained from injecting both into the starting lineup, leaving All Black Jordan (ribs) on the bench for a match the Crusaders will play in front of fans, after a change in alert levels was confirmed on Friday.
Havili, over the head-knock sustained in the teams pre-season finale a fortnight ago, will start at fullback, ensuring the Dallas McLeod-Jack Goodhue midfield remains intact.
Its a great opportunity to build some depth in the midfield. He [Dallas] took his opportunity [against the Highlanders]. Now, he gets another one, gives us a bit of continuity, Robertson said.
READ MORE:* Super Rugby: Crusaders midfielder Dallas McLeod to start in absence of injured duo* Crusaders lose All Black Braydon Ennor for 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa* Super Rugby: Crusaders wing George Bridge finding new ways to make an impact* Super Rugby: Crusaders centre Braydon Ennor to miss Hurricanes blockbuster
It gives Dallas a great opportunity. Hes been patient. It’s a hard team to crack. So, when you get an opportunity, you want to take it.
Havili was slated to start the season at second five-eighth with Braydon Ennor (knee) ruled out of Super Rugby Aotearoa, but those plans were scuppered when he was concussed in the opening couple of minutes against the Chiefs in Cambridge.
Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
Crusaders David Havili, left, and Will Jordan both missed their team’s season-opener against the Highlanders last week.
While in his preferred position this week, the chances are Havili will be required to shift into the more combative midfield down the line.
He played much of 2016 there, and knows he needs to adjust his tackle technique to avoid more blows to the head.
Im not used to a lot of traffic down in my channel at 15 when Im there. Now that I will be playing a wee bit more midfield, it’s definitely something I’ve got to work on more. I just got my head in an awkward position, and it cost me, Havili said.
The head is good this week. I had a low-key week the start of last week. After the game, I was feeling a bit dusty for the next few days…Im ready to go this week. Im really excited to get back in this jersey.
Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
Utility David Havili pictured in his last game for the Crusaders, last July against the Blues in Christchurch.
It will be Havilis first game for the Crusaders since last July, when he broke his thumb in the Crusaders tense 26-15 win against the Blues in Christchurch.
As for Jordan, who was named to start last week but later scratched, hes improved enough from the blow he took to the ribs in Cambridge to make the 23.
However, Robertson has opted to return him in an impact role, one hes previously thrived in.
It gives us impact, and gives us a bit of continuity in the team. Just two changes, Robertson said.
The Crusaders have been sure to address last seasons 34-32 home loss to the Hurricanes, who ducked down to Christchurch and snapped a 36-match unbeaten run on home soil, one which spanned across more than four years.
Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Dallas McLeod has been given another start in the Crusaders midfield after impressing against the Highlanders in Dunedin last week.
Despite outscoring the Hurricanes four tries to three and racking up 300 odd attacking metres more than the visitors, the Crusaders lost on the back of Jordie Barrett booting over five penalty goals.
Fresh from conceding 15 penalties and two yellow cards against the Highlanders, the fact Barrett is more than capable of punishing ill-discipline from beyond 50 metres is just another reason the Crusaders need to rectify their infringing.
Its been a hot topic both inside and outside Crusaders camp this week, one amplified with confirmation Ben OKeeffe, who admitted this week he should also have yellow carded Crusaders prop Joe Moody, will again have whistle in hand.
He is pinging us for a reason. Weve adjusted, weve had conversations around how we can be better, [being] really positive around it, Robertson said.
We did last year, we adjusted really quickly. Its everything thats solvable, it wasnt cynical, it wasnt foul play. They [Highlanders] put us under a lot of pressure, which we handled, but probably could have done a bit better.
Guys put their hands up and took ownership around it.
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Faingaanuku, Richie Mounga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Samuel Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Sione Havili Talitui, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Will Jordan.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (c), DuPlessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Luke Campbell, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi.