Cruden to get provincial game time
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Aaron Cruden is set to turn out for Manawatu against Hawke's Bay in a clash between the two top sides in the NPC's second-tier Championship.
The match in Palmerston North is on Sunday, several hours after the All Blacks' final Rugby Championship Test of the season against South Africa.
Cruden will be in Palmerston North rather than Johannesburg after missing the All Blacks' flight out of Auckland ahead of last weekend's Test against the Pumas in Argentina.
Last Saturday, he ran the water bottles as the Turbos beat Premiership side Waikato in Hamilton.
Manawatu coach Jason O'Halloran intends putting Cruden on the bench against the Magpies and says how much game time he gets will depend on the match situation.
O'Halloran says the 35-cap first five-eighth's presence in the build-up will provide a great learning opportunity for the Turbos' two young playmakers, Otere Black and Jade Te Rure.
It will also be a chance for the rest of the squad to show their support for the Palmerston North-born Cruden.
"He seems in really good spirits," O'Halloran said.
"Being around some old mates is really comforting for him, so if we can provide a bit of a support network here, I think that will be very positive for Aaron."
Cruden, 25, is due to attend an NZ Rugby disciplinary hearing on Wednesday over his failure to get on the flight after a late night out.
Manawatu Standard
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