“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.
“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.