One of the lesser known names in the Crusaders forward pack is being praised ahead of tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final in Christchurch
One of the lesser known names in the Crusaders forward pack is being praised ahead of tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final in Christchurch 8 May 2021
Loosehead prop George Bower has come under the spotlight in recent weeks with All Black Joe Moody sidelined with injury.
The Crusaders pack struggled in the initial scrums in their last outing against the Blues a fortnight ago, before finding some dominance of their own.
Tighthead prop Michael Alaalatoa says they were able change on the fly, and Bower s ability to adapt was particularly impressive.
Things have eased on the injury front for the Chiefs, who were without 10 players only a few weeks ago, although they did lose midfielder Quinn Tupaea for up to eight weeks with a knee injury last weekend.
Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane ruptured a pectoral muscle against the Blues late last month and won’t feature again this year. The Blues haven’t lost any key players to season-ending injuries during the season, but did lose hooker James Parsons to concussion-enforced retirement ahead of the campaign, and it’s increasingly likely new recruit Dillon Hunt (concussion) doesn’t play this year.
A minor tweaking to the Crusaders front row for tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash with the Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium
A minor tweaking to the Crusaders front row for tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash with the Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium 13 March 2021
George Bower comes in at loosehead prop with All Black Joe Moody slipping to the bench.
Bower was called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover at the end of last year, but never got to play.
The 28-year-old says the short time he spent with the group was beneficial.
Kick off in Christchurch is moments away.
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