A star player returning for the crucial Crusaders vs Reds game, serves as big boost for coach Rob Penney

Will Jordan is back at training and is in the line-up for Friday's matchup against the Queensland Reds. The fullback hasn't played since suffering a ligament injury during the Crusaders' defeat against the Chiefs almost a month ago.

Jordan has no reservations about getting back into it and says it will be great to get out and play with freedom. Head coach Rob Penney says Jordan will no doubt be a point of difference for the team, and he's absolutely stoked to have him back. 

Another player set to start on Friday is Antonio Shalfoon. This is the 27-year-old's second season for the Crusaders, but more is yet to come for the Lock, having recently re-signed through till 2026. A Cantabrian himself, Shalfoon is not worried by Friday's forecasted cold and rain and says he feels it may work in their favour due to the Queenslanders not being used to that kind of weather. Achieving a lot more game time this season, he says he's excited to play in front of a home crowd and meet the opposing forwards “right at the front door”.

Although they have beaten the Reds thirteen out of their last fourteen Super Rugby games, the Crusaders are still pulling out all the stops to ensure they come out on top in this qualifying final match. With ten All Blacks in the starting fifteen, Coach Penny says this is his strongest team of the season and he can't wait to unleash them. 

The Reds need to win to make the semi-finals, whereas the Crusaders can still lose and have a chance of reaching the semis. This is because they came second in the round robin, however any such spot depends on other results, and they will be wanting a win..

The game will be played at the Crusaders home ground this Friday, kicking off at 7.05pm.