A training field scrap between two Crusaders forwards today has been welcomed by head coach Rob Penney.
Stuff reported prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker had a confrontation at their side's Rugby Park headquarters in Christchurch following the Crusaders' 29-13 defeat to the Blues at Eden Park at the weekend.
Stuff said Crusaders skipper David Havili helped defuse a situation which occurred days after the latest loss. The Crusaders, the defending champions, have won only one game in four to start their season.
“So there should be,” Penney said at a press conference afterwards when asked if there was tension in the camp.
“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren't happy with the performances and the outcomes.
“Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.
“But it's not a thing that is going to affect negatively. We are all over it, the boys are fine.
“It's not the first time and it won't be the last.”
The Crusaders, down 19-3 on Saturday night, fought back to 19-13 at halftime but failed to score a point in the second half as their underwhelming form continued.
After losing their first game of the season to the Highlanders in Dunedin, they have the opportunity for revenge on Saturday night when they host the southerners in Christchurch. The Crusaders were also thrashed at home by the Brumbies before bouncing back to beat the Chiefs in a thriller in Hamilton.
Their defeat to the Blues featured another poor performance in the lineout, along with too many handling errors.
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