Crusaders coach Rob Penney has defended his decision to rest wing Sevu Reece – one of his team’s best strike weapons this season – for Friday’s match against Moana Pasifika.
Reece has started all 13 of the Crusaders’ matches this season, scoring 12 tries on his way to the top of the franchise’s all-time try-scoring list (overtaking Caleb Ralph), but has not been named in what is likely to be the Crusaders’ final match of the season.
Chay Fihaki will start in the No.14 jersey, with Johnny McNicholl at fullback and Macca Springer on the left wing.
The Crusaders moved to 10th after their upset 29-27 victory over the Blues in Christchurch last weekend, and the defending champions are now relying on the Fijian Drua losing to the Rebels in Lautoka to move to an unlikely eighth and the final playoffs spot.
Prop Fletcher Newell has also been rested by Penney.
Asked today whether the two top-performing players were injured, Penney said: “They’re in great shape, they’ve just had massive workloads."
“I think Sevu has played every minute of every game. Flecky as a tighthead backing up week in and week out just shows his class. We forget he’s only 24, just turned. It’s just about managing stocks and ensuring we have depth if we do progress.”
Asked why he decided to rest them now when it’s unlikely they will progress, Penney said: “We’ve got plenty of faith in the cover. You just can’t keep pushing people out. Those guys have been tremendous as I say, but there are creaks. They’re in [seeing] the medical team a bit more often than they were a month ago.”
After beating the Blues to keep their faint playoffs hopes alive, Penney said it was important to put on a dominant performance against Moana Pasifika.
Veterans such as Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Willi Heinz and Ryan Crotty are likely to be playing their final game for the Crusaders.
“We’ve got an opportunity to put a little stamp on the weekend prior to sitting back and seeing what unfolds.”
Penney confirmed he would watch the Drua v Rebels match on Saturday afternoon.
Asked whether he would be nervous, Penney said: “I’ll be steeling for the worst but hoping for the best.”
Absent lock and probable next All Blacks captain Scott Barrett was making good progress back from a back injury, Penney said.
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