Time running out for All Black Scott Barrett to return to Crusaders due to lingering back complaint
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Scott Barrett’s troublesome back continues to cast doubt on his Super Rugby comeback.
The All Black captain remains sidelined ahead of the Crusaders’ penultimate regular season match - against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Friday - and faces a race against time to clock Super Rugby minutes before the test season.
“Hard to know,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney said when asked if he thought the second rower would play this season.
“Scott is just having a continuation of his frustration round his back. Getting seen to by all the important people, but at this stage, not available.”
Barrett’s back complaint has derailed his plan to return from his non-playing sabbatical at the back end of the regular season, much like hooker Codie Taylor in 2024.
However, with just one more round robin match remaining - against the Hurricanes in Christchurch Friday week - the defending champions might need to go deep into the playoffs if he’s to register any Super Rugby minutes.
“I think the next fortnight is probably going to determine that [if he plays],” Penney said.
“He was, physically, in great shape before this little flare up. Once he overcomes this, I think his return to play will be quite quick. But we’ll be guided by the medical advice.”
Fourth on the ladder with 32 competition points, the Crusaders could finish as high as third, while the Brumbies (29 points) and Reds (28 points) are breathing down their neck.
Courtesy of the lucky loser concept, a third or fourth placed finish would mean a semifinal regardless of the result of their first round playoff game, provided the Hurricanes and Chiefs, locks for the top two seeds, aren’t upset in the qualifying finals.
The Crusaders’ chances of surpassing the Blues and finishing third have been boosted by the timely return of their best player.
Fullback Will Jordan is back from the calf injury that’s sidelined him since April 3, boosting a team that’s struggled for consistency and polish on attack all season.
“I haven't been a great spectator in the stands the last few weeks,“ Jordan said, lamenting the fact he missed the first two games in Christchurch’s new indoor stadium.
“Obviously, a bit of excitement going on with the new stadium and some milestones and stuff. Pumped to be back, and pumped to be back for a team that's been going well over the last month or so. I feel like the boys are starting to find their feet.”
Jordan’s return coincides with that of another form Crusader - wing Chay Fihaki - who has been sidelined through a hamstring injury since round 10.
Not only is he one of the best players in the country under the high ball, Jordan said he was one of, if not the best, defensive wingers in New Zealand.
His return means there’s no room for Macca Springer in the 23, with veteran Johnny McNicholl named on the bench.
That’s understandable given Jordan’s minutes, depending on how the game unfolds, could be managed, Penney said.
The Crusaders have lost dynamite hooker George Bell and lock Tahlor Cahill to calf and hamstring injuries respectively, although Penney said the ‘niggles’ would likely only sideline them for up to two weeks.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Johnny McNicholl.