Scott Barrett. Photo: Photosport / Jeremy Ward
Scott Barrett is back for the Crusaders as they brace to take on a Highlanders side with nothing to lose.
The All Blacks skipper missed last week's win over the Waratahs in Sydney but returns at lock for the third-placed Crusaders, who sit level on points with the second-placed Chiefs and just two points behind the table-topping Brumbies, with two rounds remaining.
If the Crusaders can win both matches they'll give themselves a good shot at qualifying top for the finals, and coach Rob Penney is chuffed to have Barrett back for Friday night's clash with their southern rivals.
"He's like a young kid in a lolly shop," Penney said. "Just his energy this week has been incredible. What a man. We're rapt to have him back."
Scott Barrett. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Despite being last in the standings, the Highlanders still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs. However, they need bonus point wins against both the Crusaders and the Chiefs and plenty of other results to go their way to finish in the top six.
They will also need Moana Pasifika to lose both their games against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes.
Despite the odds, Penney believes the visitors will get up for Friday's match.
Photo: Marty Melville/Actionpress
He said the Highlanders' narrow loss to the Hurricanes last week in Wellington was a timely reminder of what they're capable of.
"Without a doubt. They're a quality group. They haven't had the results that they would like and many predicted that they would have had, but that won't mean they'll turn up here any less motivated to do a job on us."
The Crusaders are favourites and rightly so, after crushing the Highlanders 43-10 in Dunedin in April.
However, Penney is adamant the visitors won't be easy to beat.
"Last time we played them a few weeks ago, the rivalry remained strong and they would reflect on a victory on Friday night at our home ground with a lot of pride in resurrecting some of their season from doing that. It'll be a real challenge for us."
Friday night's match will be Mitchell Drummond's 50th for the Crusaders, and Penney was happy to hand the halfback a rare start.
"Very special. He epitomises what a crusader is thoroughly," Penney said. "Team first, work ethic, and his ability to get people connected is renowned. It's an honour and a privilege for us to be able to provide this opportunity for him to get out in front of his family and fans to celebrate."
It's a pretty unique club he's in. One hundred club appearances for his province and 50 appearances for his Super Rugby team is pretty unique.
"It just reflects the special character he is. It's a hard job that he's doing. You don't play 50 games and not be a competitive beast and have a desire to contribute when the team's on the field."
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