Timely return for Tasman Talisman

After six months out of top rugby, Tasman Mako captain Quinten Strange was excited his comeback coincided with such a big match, the Crusaders’ 42-19 demolition job on the Blues.

What was a little strange, was seeing the lock subbing on from the bench for his 70th game after his long injury lay off.

“I think it was 2023 when I last came on during a Crusaders match,” says the regular Super Rugby starter, who experienced the ultimate high and devastating low in the space of eight days last September.

Quin led the Mako to their first Ranfurly Shield victory, and then only lasted three minutes in their successful defence against Wellington the following week.

He was forced from Lansdowne Park with a serious pectoral injury and required surgery for the first time in his career.

“It could have been worse though,” maintains the 28-year-old. He was out of action for three months but was on track to return early in the Crusaders’ campaign.

“I was integrating with the guys only to injure my hamstring in pre-season training. Three or four other players also did hammies around the same time,” reveals Quin.

He was eventually eased back into competition by playing 40 minutes for the Crusaders development side before his return against the Blues last Saturday night.

As for injuries, “quite annoying” is how he tactfully describes the ankle injury that denied him a possible All Blacks debut in 2020.

Quin had been named in the squad for the Rugby Championship but didn’t get to play and hasn’t been in the national mix since.

He is in his ninth season with the Crusaders and still loving the club, although he acknowledges overseas opportunities would pay more. Coming on to lock the scrum against the Blues with his Mako teammate Antonio Shalfoon was a highlight at the weekend.

“He has gone the full 80 in all but one game this season, so I wasn’t sure how much time I would get,” says Quin, who was expecting to get 20 to 30 minutes.

Instead, he got 40 as All Blacks captain Scott Barrett didn’t return for the second half.

He almost capped his return with a try, driving for the line with Antonio on his shoulder in the 64th minute.

The 1.99m forward was just short, but another Mako, Macca Springer, scored just seconds later.

Macca had also subbed on in the second half and his sixth try in just two games, took him record-level with fellow winger Sevu Reece.

Mako halfback Noah Hotham also returned, via the bench, for the Crusaders after suffering an ankle injury in the first round. In his absence, new recruit Kyle Preston has been a standout.

As for the sidelined Ethan Blackadder, Quin confirms his long-time teammate is a “bit beaten up” but his quad injury isn’t as bad as some people are suggesting.

The Crusaders are in second place in the competition, and they should shore up that spot when they host Moana Pasifika this weekend, a match where the Havili brothers David and William will go head-to-head. And one thing is for sure - they are both in form.