“Those weeks for them are tough to watch, but also give them a full tank. Their energy is high, and they ve led the week really well.” The return of the aforementioned players has been partially offset by the unavailability of Codie Taylor (All Blacks rest), and loose forward Cullen Grace.
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Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock is back after sitting out last week’s close shave with the Force in Christchurch. The return of Blackadder, who was knocked out late in the team’s demolition job of the Reds is Brisbane on May 22, is timely against a team which likes to get stuck in at the breakdown.
Some rare consistency in the number seven jersey for the Crusaders heading into Friday night's Super Rugby Trans-Tasman match against the Force in Christchurch
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.