With two defeats in two matches – their worst start to a Super Rugby season in a decade - the Crusaders are in an increasingly awkward position but have been boosted by the return of outside back Johnny McNicholl, a former Wales international.
The latest signing, floated by 1News this morning, was confirmed this afternoon and will be extremely welcome in the wake of the long-term injuries to Will Jordan and Leigh Halfpenny.
After losing to the Waratahs 37-24 in Melbourne at the weekend, the Crusaders have to prepare for a difficult challenge against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka before facing two derbies against the currently unbeaten Hurricanes and Blues - the latter at Eden Park - while juggling an injury-hit and inexperienced squad unused to such adversity.
The Waratahs defeat was picked apart by head coach Rob Penney and the squad yesterday in the hope it will provide lessons and possibly some extra motivation ahead of their trip to Fiji
There would have been no dodging the reality of their situation which can be accurately summed up by their position on the table – 10th of 12 teams.
High on the agenda will be fixing a normally reliable set piece and cutting down an error rate that left inexperienced halfback Noah Hotham and first-five Taha Kemara on the back foot and unable to create pressure.
Long-term injuries to outside backs Jordan (shoulder) and Welsh import Halfpenny (chest) have robbed the Crusaders of a huge amount of experience and exacerbated the absence of Richie Mo’unga but help is on the way with thel arrival of former Crusader and Wales international McNicholl.
The 33-year-old McNicholl, born in Christchurch, was at the Crusaders for four seasons before leaving for the Scarlets club in Llanelli.
He qualified for Wales on residency grounds and played 10 Tests after winning his first cap in 2020.
McNicholl scored 57 tries in 130 games for Scarlets and has asked for an early release from his contract.
Chay Fihaki, 23, made an excellent start in the No.15 jersey in the Crusaders’ defeat to the Chiefs in round one, retaining his place against the Waratahs in the Super round.
The Crusaders require reinforcements, however, and McNicholl will be an excellent addition.
Forwards coach Dan Perrin, meanwhile, stressed the need for a reaction in Lautoka against a side which beat the near perennial champions by one point last year.
“This is the game we need in Fiji,” Perrin said. “They’re big, physical, men and after last weekend you should see a response.
“We’ve played in wet conditions before so it’s not an excuse,” he said of the expected heat and humidity. “We know where the pressure points are going to be.”
SHARE ME