Latest news with #JohnnyMcNicholl
RNZ News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Crusaders 'point of difference' fullback Will Jordan ready to rumble
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan celebrates a try. Photo: Brett Phibbs / The Crusaders have one of their strongest weapons back for the playoffs and he can't wait to try and help his side to another Super Rugby title. Will Jordan is back for the Crusaders. Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress All Blacks fullback Will Jordan returns from injury for the side for Friday night's quarter-final against the Reds in Christchurch. "I was always looking at this window so I'm stoked the knee has been able to get back in action this week for an important game for us," Jordan said. "At this time of year everyone has bumps and bruises - it's the nature of the game so strap it up and get out there. It's certainly not one you want to miss so no reservations from me about getting back into this weekend." Jordan has recovered from the knee injury that has sidelined him since early May when he was hurt playing against the Chiefs. He's confident he can hit the ground running and knows if he doesn't perform there are others happy to take his place. "In this environment, there's always pressure," he said. "It's a results business, so every week you've go to perform. Johnny McNicholl played well while I was out so it's on me to come back in and keep up the good form he was doing, but not to try to do too much as well." Jordan missed all of last season with injury and is thrilled to be getting a crack at the Super Rugby finals. "Through the whole year it drove me to be involved as much as I can and try and contribute. You always want to be playing finals footy in these big games," Jordan said. "I'm grateful to be in this position now and to be able to go out there and play with freedom on Friday." Will Jordan. Photo: PHOTOSPORT The hosts have four All Blacks back this week and coach Rob Penney said the team selection was close to the Crusaders' strongest starting lineup this year. Penney said Jordan's return was a boost. "He's such an important part of the Crusaders' mix. He's had acknowledgment worldwide about his capabilities and any team he plays in, he's such an asset. "Without putting any burdens on him, he'll be a point of difference. No doubt." This season's new playoff format has come under fire after it was revealed that the Hurricanes clash with the Brumbies on Saturday night in Canberra could be a dead rubber depending on previous results, with both sides potentially advancing to the semi-finals. Jordan said the Crusaders aren't worrying about anything other than beating the Reds. "It's pretty simple for us," Jordan said. "You just win and you're through to the next week."
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders see off fast-finishing Waratahs
Johnny McNicholl scores against the Waratahs. Photo: Steven Markham/ActionPress The Crusaders have had some bad memories lately of their visits to Sydney, however a win here will potentially put them top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder for now. Meanwhile, the Tahs are just looking to get back into the top six and keep their slim play-off hopes alive. Kick-off is at 9:35pm NZT.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Crusaders v Waratahs live updates, Super Rugby Pacific
Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Waratahs and the Crusaders. Crusaders team to face Waratahs Johnny McNicholl has been named to start at fullback for his first appearance of the season, replacing the injured Will Jordan who is sidelined with a knee injury. There are three changes in the forwards, with All Blacks trio Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett and Fletcher Newell all rested for the clash in Sydney, replaced by Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Quinten Strange respectively. On the bench, All Blacks hooker George Bell returns after overcoming a foot injury which was expected to sideline him for the entire Super Rugby Pacific season. Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams 2. Ioane Moananu 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin 4. Quinten Strange 5. Antonio Shalfoon 6. Cullen Grace 7. Tom Christie 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Rivez Reihana 11. Sevu Reece 12. David Havili (c) 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Johnny McNicholl. Bench: 16. George Bell 17. George Bower 18. Seb Calder 19. Jamie Hannah Kellow 21. Kyle Preston 22. James O'Connor 23. Dallas McLeod.
