Richie Mo'unga, pictured in action for the Linwood club last weekend, hasn't played Super Rugby since he started in the Crusaders' 17-13 win over the Brumbies in Christchurch on February 25. He fractured a bone in his hand during that match and required surgery.

The tiny bone that Richie Mo'unga fractured in his left hand has the potential to burn a big hole in his Super Rugby season.

After spending seven weeks recovering from the surgery required to repair the damage sustained during the 17-13 victory over the Brumbies on February 25, Mo'unga has at last received an invitation from coach Scott Robertson to convince him why he should still be considered the Crusaders' premier No 10.

GETTY IMAGES Mitchell Hunt of the Crusaders is tackled by Jed Holloway of the Waratahs during the round six Super Rugby match in Sydney

More will be known about where Mo'unga sits in the order of playmakers after the Crusaders play the Sunwolves in Christchurch on Friday night, and you could say he has got his work cut out.

Because the rise and rise of rookie Mitchell Hunt, who has proved himself to be a prized acquisition since being pitched into the first five-eighths' role in the last five games, has whipped the blinkers off everyone's eyes.

When Mo'unga succumbed to injury the natural inclination was to ask how long he would be unavailable for, circle a comeback date on the calendar and hope the Crusaders wouldn't wobble too much while their most experienced first-five nursed his broken paw.

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That was until Hunt proved more than capable in the white-hot pressure at this level, declaring his arrival by being involved in the dramatic triumphs against the Highlanders, Reds (in which he kicked the winning penalty on the fulltime hooter) and Blues, and ensuring the winning run continued against the Force and Waratahs.

Hunt, along with Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Jordan Taufua and Bryn Hall, has been rested from the match against the Sunwolves and will watch with interest as to how Mo'unga fares in his return.

Robertson made it clear that Mo'unga, who started 16 games last year, has got to fight to get his jersey back.

"Yes, there is a little bit of heat on him," Robertson said. "I think the depth in our No 10 position now is good. It is heating up, it is something that we needed.

"Mitch has taken that opportunity, and has been pretty clutch. He has definitely created competition and Richie is aware of it. Now it is his opportunity."

With Ryan Crotty unavailable because of a sore ankle, Mo'unga will have to rely on the fresh midfield combination of Tim Bateman and Jack Goodhue to communicate options, as well as fullback David Havili.

The Sunwolves, who are coached by ex-All Blacks back rower Filo Tiatia and have listed ex-Highlander Fumiaki Tanaka to start at halfback, upset the Bulls 21-20 in Tokyo last weekend but no such boilover will occur at AMI Stadium.

Barring an outbreak of a debilitating virus, or a mad-eyed rabble rouser convincing the squad to remain in their changing shed, the Crusaders should win this in a canter and netting a bonus-point, so precious at the sharp end of the season, will be a priority.

The return of All Blacks captain and No 8 Kieran Read from wrist surgery adds power and athleticism to a side that will start six All Blacks.

Injuries to lock Mitchell Dunshea and flanker Jed Brown, both unavailable for around six weeks because of elbow and hamstring injuries, allows the Crusaders to retain back rower Whetu Douglas.

Initially called into the squad as injury cover for Read, Douglas, one of the finds of the season, was expected to be shipped back home. His stay has now been extended.

"We would love to keep him (until the end of the season)," Robertson said. "We will just deal with him being with us for now, and the rest will work out."



Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Tim Bateman, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Pete Samu, Sam Whitelock (captain), Luke Romano, Michael Alaalatoa, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Whetu Douglas, Leon Fukofuka, Marty McKenzie, George Bridge.

Referee: Nic Berry

Kick-off: 7.35pm