‘Injured Crusaders Winger Macca Springer Released After Stellar Five-try Performance Against the Force’

After crossing the line for five tries against the Western Force, Macca Springer may have felt confident about retaining his place on the wing.

This remarkable feat marked only the second instance in the 30-year history of Super Rugby where a player has managed to score five tries in a single match, with the late Sean Wainui also achieving this for the Chiefs against the NSW Waratahs back in 2021.

However, despite Springer’s standout performance, Crusaders head coach Rob Penney opted to reinstate Chay Fihaki into the starting lineup for the upcoming clash against the Blues on Saturday night.

“Last week, Chay nearly earned man of the match against the Reds. Macca seized his chance, yet we’ve opted to bring Chay back into the fold. It’s really quite straightforward,” explained Penney.

Prior to the match against the Blues, Springer wouldn’t have even been on the bench had Brayden Ennor not sustained an injury during training.

When asked how Springer responded to his exclusion, Penney said:

“He handled it well, but he’s disappointed. He wants to be out there playing, which is a positive sign… Chay has done nothing wrong, providing a chance for (Springer) to perform, and he did an exceptional job, but now Chay is back,” Penney added.

The Crusaders missed out on finals last season but currently sit in second place after five rounds this year.

“Effectively managing the whole squad is crucial,” Penney commented.

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“Finding the right balance, ensuring the All Blacks get the rest they require, and also securing results to position ourselves favourably at the business end is, to a certain extent, a measured risk,” he concluded.

Blues vs Crusaders

SAT 22 March: Eden Park, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans

Replacements: James Mullan, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Tristyn Cook, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes

CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, James O’Connor, Macca Springer

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referee: Mike Winter, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Richard Kelly