Macca’s bouncing about at the Crusaders

Just when it looked like Tasman Mako Wing Macca Springer’s Crusaders comeback was short lived, he was won a reprieve.

Despite scoring a record-equalling five super rugby tries in his return to the Crusaders last Saturday, Macca was originally left out of the 23 named to face the Blues in Auckland this Saturday.

The official line was he only played last week because wing Chay Fihaki was being rested.

But now, wait for it,  he is back, sort of.

The 21-year-old was added to bench after All Black centre Braydon Ennor’s terrible run of injuries continued.

After a scintillating return last week, Braydon has now been side-lined with a hamstring injury

Macca has been preferred in the reserves ahead of Tasman Mako teammate Levi Aumua.

Vice-captain Ethan Blackadder is now also out too, after originally being named to return.

The injury-prone loose forward was a late withdrawal from the Crusaders last week and is now out of action with a quad problem.

But due to return, via the bench, are two other Tasman stars.

Mako captain Quinten Strange has recovered from a pectoral muscle injury he suffered in the Ranfurly Shield defence against Wellington six months ago. A hamstring injury in training then further delayed his comeback.

One test All Black halfback Noah Hotham is also in the reserves, for round six, after an ankle injury forced him out just eight minutes into the Crusaders first match of the season.