Suggestions that lock Chris Jack has been rested for Saturday’s Super 12 rugby match because the Crusaders are keeping him fresh for the playoffs drew a sharp response from coach Robbie Deans on Thursday.
Jack, the Crusaders’ key lineout exponent, has been relegated to the bench and replaced by rookie Ross Filipo for the all-important match against the Bulls at Jade Stadium.
It is a surprising move from the Crusaders, even though they are favoured to roll the Bulls. With the Super 12 table more congested than Riccarton Road at rush hour, neither side can afford to lose this match.
Just two rounds remain after this weekend and competition points are at a premium.
”Absolutely not,” was Deans’s loud reply when it was suggested that the Crusaders might have an eye on keeping Jack in cottonwool for the semifinals.
”This game is absolutely pivotal for us. In absolutely no way are we looking any further ahead than this game.”
Instead, he said that Jack is being ”freshened” to give him the opportunity to overcome the effects of playing all eight matches in the competition.
”He’s had a big workload up until now and is starting to show signs of wear and tear,” Deans said.
”It has been a two-way communication thing with us. He has been starting to get the odd niggle and had a few days off this week with the flu.
”He’s been showing a few signs of fatigue and we would like to have given him a rest before now but it just hasn’t been possible.”
This match will be the biggest of Filipo’s career.
Last year, the 25-year-old played for Wellington in the National Provincial Championship and has 10 provincial caps behind him.
It will be the first time the 1,98m lock has suited up this season as he has not been required on the bench for earlier games.
”We have total confidence in Ross and obviously he can’t wait for this match. He’s raring to go,” Deans said.
Mose Tuiali’i returns to number eight, replacing Johnny Leo’o and Sam Broomhall respectively.
The second row revamp means the Crusaders will not carry a specialist number seven in the reserves. Leo’o is not required to suit up and Broomhall will cover the openside position.
First five-eighth Cameron McIntyre has retained his place after a mature effort in last week’s nail-biting win over the Cats, meaning again there is no room for former All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens in the 22.
Fullback Scott Hamilton has been preferred ahead of a now-fit Ben Blair, who was rested last week because of a sore toe.
Aaron Mauger has been named at centre but must be passed fit on Thursday after a shoulder injury forced him from the field during the 39-37 win over the Cats last Sunday. — Sapa-NZPA