Crusaders and All Blacks prop George Bower is on the brink of a return to Super Rugby after a knee reconstruction, the tighthead starting against the Chiefs tomorrow night in a team that has two former All Black front rowers on the bench.
The Crusaders have had more than their fair share of injuries already this year, but if anything displays their depth upfront it is their ability to bring on veterans Owen Franks and Joe Moody in the second half at Waikato Stadium.
“That iron-sharpening-iron is huge, especially in our front row,” Bower, 31, said today.
“We have good depth in our front row. Everyone is capable of playing 80 minutes and everyone is capable of coming off the bench and bringing their experience. It’s healthy competition.”
Bower suffered an ACL injury during round six in April last year, ruling him out of the World Cup but giving him a new perspective.
“It’s been 10 or 11 months. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve missed the game. I’m feeling like I’ve come back a bit better than I was before – physically and mentally.”
Bower said he was at the same weight as he was this time last year but with a lower fat ratio. “That’s a win for me.”
And he described the influence that Franks, who has returned to the Crusaders after a stint overseas and with the Hurricanes at the age of 36, as significant.
“He helped me a lot in my first year and now, in my fifth and sixth year, he’s here still helping me.”
Forwards coach Dan Perrin said of the starting front row combination of All Black Tamaiti Williams, highly-rated hooker George Bell and Bower, “we learned a lot about our group during pre-season and we believe we’ve got our mix right for this one.
“To finish with the experience of Owie, Quinten MacDonald and Moods, I think that’s the way the game is going to roll and having those guys coming off the bench, you can’t put a price on it.”
The Chiefs have clearly prepared with intensity: two of their forwards Samipeni Finau and Hamilton Burr filmed trading punches at training yesterday ahead of the grand final rematch.
“Boys will be boys,” Bower said. “It’s always good having a bit of an edge at training. Big games like this, there’s always going to be edge with both teams. We know the Chiefs will be ready for us this weekend."
Added Perrin: "They've got a strong pack as do we."
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