Will Jordan, the Crusaders’ most dangerous attacking weapon, is back from injury in time for their playoff game against the Reds in Christchurch on Friday.
Jordan had always targeted a playoff return after damaging his medial knee ligament in the defeat to the Chiefs in Christchurch in round 13 on May 10 – the Crusaders’ last loss – and his plan has come to fruition.
“[I was] always looking at this window so I’m stoked the knee has been able to get back in action this week for an important game for us,” Jordan said today.
Jordan, who will again perform an important role with the All Blacks this year, played the first 11 matches of the season without a break, so was due a rest. However, his injury will have worried Crusaders head coach Rob Penney along with his All Blacks’ counterpart Scott Robertson.
“It’s good to have a freshen up and I just have to make sure I get back into the same flow I had,” he said.
That flow had Jordan scoring two tries against the Reds in Christchurch in their round four 43-19 victory back in March but he said he did not feel the pressure of returning in such a high-stakes environment.
“In this environment, there's always pressure,” he said. "It’s a results business, so every week you’ve go to perform. Johnny [McNicholl] played well while I was out so it’s on me to come in and pick up the good form.”
Jordan, a 27-year-old who has scored 38 tries in 41 Tests, is returning from his first knee injury but he appears unfazed.
“At this time of year everyone has bumps and bruises – it’s the nature of the game so strap it up and get out there. It's certainly not one you want to miss so no reservations from me about getting back into this weekend.”
Jordan’s injury not withstanding, the Crusaders have enjoyed a far lighter injury toll this year compared to last, when they finished out of the playoffs with only four wins in total.
This time, with far greater consistency of selection and a collection of first-fives who have generally performed well – Taha Kemara before his injury and now Rivez Reihana and James O’Connor in tandem — the Crusaders have been far more durable and difficult to break down.
Reihana has again kept former Wallaby O’Connor out of the No.10 jersey by virtue of his good recent form.
"He’s been pretty impressive," Jordan said of Reihana. "He had the first seven or eight weeks on the sideline and came in.. man of match three times in four or five games. We couldn’t ask for more. He’s assured and is a big body as well. The way he's grown into it with his leadership and running game... I’m stoked for him and hope he can keep it going this week."
The Crusaders, who have 10 All Blacks in their starting XV, are defending a remarkable record of having never lost a playoff game at home.
The Reds, meanwhile, have lost their last three quarter-finals in New Zealand – the last two to the Chiefs and in the one before that to the Crusaders.
Loose forward Ethan Blackadder, back from injury in the last round – a 33-31 victory over the Brumbies in Canberra – returns to the No.6 jersey after being taken off at halftime as a precaution at GIO Stadium.
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