The Canterbury Crusaders, currently enduring a challenging start to their Super Rugby Pacific title defense, have been dealt a further blow with the loss of captain Scott Barrett for six weeks due to a broken finger. Barrett sustained the injury during training last week but played through the pain in the recent 20-10 loss to Fijian Drua before medical assessments revealed the fracture.
The defeat against Fijian Drua marked the third consecutive loss for the Crusaders, equaling their worst start since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996. Adding to their woes, Barrett now joins a growing list of injured players, including key figures like Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Ethan Blackadder, and Joe Moody.
Zach Gallagher is set to return as a starting lock for his first match of the season, providing some relief for the injury-ridden squad. However, the absence of Barrett poses a significant challenge for new coach Rob Penney ahead of a crucial home fixture against the undefeated Wellington Hurricanes on Friday.
Penney acknowledged Barrett’s importance in both leadership and on-field performances, describing him as an inspirational figure sorely missed by the team. Despite the setback, Penney expressed confidence in the younger players stepping up to fill the void, viewing it as an opportunity for them to make their mark on the team.
David Havili, a midfielder, will lead the Crusaders against the Hurricanes, who boast a perfect record in the 12-team competition after defeating the Auckland Blues 29-21 in their previous match.
The Crusaders, having clinched the last seven iterations of Super Rugby in various formats, find themselves in a transitional phase following the departures of former coach Scott Robertson and star flyhalf Richie Mo’unga. Injuries to key players, including Fergus Burke and Rivez Reihana, have further complicated their start to the season.
With Riley Hohepa set to take on the number 10 jersey in his second match for the Crusaders, the team remains optimistic about the return of Fergus Burke, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury. Penney indicated that Burke’s return is imminent, stating that he is now fully integrated into training and nearing full athletic performance.
