“No, I don t think so. I think it s awesome for me because I ve been learning off the form player in the world at the moment. I feel like it s a good thing for me,” Burke said. “It’s awesome. Super excited. It s a great opportunity for me to show everyone what I ve been working on behind the scenes, and what I ve learnt the last couple of years.”
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Crusaders pivot Fergus Burke pictured in action against the Hurricanes in Chirstchurch in March. He moved to the Garden City the following year, before cracking the Canterbury-19s, and representing the New Zealand under-20s at the World Cup in Argentina, the following year.
Barrett, who started all nine Super Rugby Aotearoa games but hasn’t played since the all New Zealand final against the Chiefs, joined the team on Sunday. “He’s full of energy, he turned up with a big smile on his face, recovered from his illness, and he’s good to go. The boys are happy to have skip back amongst us,” Goodman said.
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Ethan Blackadder was the Crusaders standout forward in a 63-28 win over the Reds in Brisbane. It leaves Cullen Grace, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sione Havili Talitui and Allen as healthy loose forwards, meaning regular lock Barrett could well be asked to play No 6 against the Waratahs.