Nemani Nadolo
Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo could be back in Super Rugby sooner than expected but he is unlikely to play in the Super Rugby opener against the Rebels in Christchurch on Friday.
Nadolo has completed his commitments with the NEC Green Rockets after they suffered a shock loss to Teikyo University in their All-Japan Championship knockout so he is free to return to the Crusaders.
The Fijian winger was joint top try scorer in 2014 – on 12 tries with the Waratahs’ Israel Folau – but despite his value he is unlikely to be rushed into action this week at Christchurch’s AMI Stadium.
The Crusaders pre-season warm ups didn’t go to plan as they lost to the Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders and they could have used Nadolo’s powerful runs but coach Todd Blackadder is likely to stick with the players he used on the trials.
Johnny McNicholl, Robbie Fruean and Nafi Tuitavaki were used in the trials against the Reds and Hurricanes while Jone Macalai is expected back in April after he broke his arm playing against the Highlanders.
Willi Heinz (broken leg) was also injured in the trial match but Andy Ellis will have to stay in Japan as his Kobe Steelers club side thrashed Keio University 76 / 7 and will face Suntory in the next round.
With Heinz injured and Ellis unavailable Blackadder is expected to select either Mitchell Drummond or Billy Guyton to start against the Rebels.
rugbyweek