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The Super 14 rugby competition has taken a new meaning for hooker Jason Macdonald, the only draft player in the Crusaders this season.
Macdonald expected to play second fiddle to All Blacks rake Corey Flynn, a veteran of 80 matches for the Crusaders since his debut in 2002,
but with the luckless Flynn suffering yet another broken arm the Otago No 2 now has to play a major role for his new team.
He will have his first start in what will be his second appearance for the Crusaders when the reigning champions play the Hurricanes in Christchurch tomorrow night.
A scan on Monday confirmed that Flynn had broken the radius bone in his left arm - the same injury which forced him out of the All Blacks end-of-season tour to Britain last year - and it will almost certainly result in his Super 14 campaign being over before it really started.
Not that Macdonald is inexperienced at Super 14 level.
The 28-year-old, 106kg, hooker made his debut for the Highlanders three years ago and chalked up 33 appearances before his call-up to the Crusaders.
"An opportunity has arisen and I've got to make the most of it," Macdonald said.
"I wish Flynney all the best for a speedy recovery."
Macdonald said he knew how frustrating it was to be on the injured list.
"I ruptured an Achilles two seasons ago and missed the Air NZ Cup. It's not much fun."
Macdonald said that knowing he was starting instead of coming off the bench meant a different preparation and his focus had changed at practice this week.
"But I like to think I'm a reasonably quick learner.
"When I first came up here (to the Crusaders) I felt like a little kid. I was like a sponge just soaking it all up.
"There were new systems and new cultures but I've embraced them and have loved it. I can't speak highly enough of the set-up."
A smile has lined the face of Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder this week, with several key All Blacks seemingly over match-threatening injuries.
Captain Richie McCaw, who took a head knock against the Chiefs, is bracketed with George Whitelock on the openside flank, but McCaw trained yesterday and will start if an impact report clears him.
Lock Brad Thorn, who missed the loss to the Brumbies last weekend due to a foot injury, passed a fitness test and will play, but halfback Andrew Ellis, who rolled an ankle against the Brumbies, failed to complete training and will be replaced by Kahn Fotuali'i.
Both the Crusaders and the Hurricanes start the third-round match on five points after a win and a loss.
The Crusaders beat the Chiefs at home before losing away in the last-minute to the Brumbies while the Hurricanes lost at home to the Waratahs before a last-gasp win over the Highlanders in Wellington.
History is certainly on the Crusaders side.
They have won the last six contests between the franchises and the last time they lost to the Hurricanes in Christchurch was eight years ago.
- NZPA
