Captain Scott Barrett and vice-captain Code Taylor should provide the Crusaders with a massive boost for their Super Rugby Pacific top-of-the-table clash with top-ranked Aussies ACT Brumbies on Friday.
The key All Blacks forwards have missed time for the competition powerhouse in recent weeks - Barrett through suspension and Taylor on babywatch - but will likely return for this week's titanic encounter at Canberra.
Barrett, 28, was red-carded for a high shot on Blues prop Alex Hodgman last month and copped a three-week stand-down from the Sanzaar judiciary.
During his absence, the Crusaders have struggled to cover the locking positions, with Sam Whitelock rehabbing a broken finger, and Mitch Dunshea and Quinten Strange suffering long-term injuries. Hamish Dalzell is suspended three weeks for a dangerous tackle.
When Zach Gallagher was a late COVID-19 withdrawal against Western Force last week, No.8 Cullen Grace was thrust into the second row, with rookie Liam Hallam-Eames making his Super Rugby debut off the bench, after joining the team on gameday.
Barrett's return would restore his international locking combination with Whitelock.
Taylor, 31, returned home from the team's Australian jaunt last week for the birth of his third child. With deputy Brodie McAlister carrying a calf injury, Ricky Jackson assumed starting duties and struggled early with his lineout feeds against the Force.
"Obviously, it's a massive game this weekend, especially because they have a good forward pack, so getting [Barrett and Taylor] back is going to be massive," said Crusaders winger George Bridge.
"'Scooter' [Barrett] hasn't played any footy for a few weeks, so he will be pretty horny for it. They are a massive part of our team, so it's great to have them back."
Assistant coach Scott Hansen is also eagerly anticipating Barrett's availability.
"He is our leader, so it's great to have him back," he said. "He's been through his procedures with regard to his technical deficiency around defence, so we're signed off on that.
"Scooter is a massive leader for us - on the field, he gives us go-forward, as well as his leadership, so we're looking forward to having him back out there in a Crusaders jersey."
While the Crusaders have won more Super Rugby titles than any other franchise, their match-up with the Brumbies harks back to an era, when the Aussie side contested five finals in eight years, winning two. These two teams met in three of those title games, with the Canterbury side winning twice.
"They have a fantastic DNA and are really confident in their game at the moment," said Hansen. "Strong, abrasive... on the front foot.
"They've been really exciting to watch the last three weeks - their game and balance."
After a shock loss th NSW Waratahs last week, the Crusaders bounced back with a dominant second half in their 53-15 romp over the Force and seem to have regained their mojo at the right time.
The Brumbies are unbeaten against NZ sides this season, with victories over the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs, and sit two points behind the table-topping Blues, four clear of the third-placed Crusaders.
Join us at 9:45pm Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Brumbies Super Rugby Pacific clash
