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Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 7:58 am
by FujiKiwi
A Faiane/Ioane midfield might have been able to mix it with a Goodhue/Ennor combo, but I can’t see a Plummer/Ioane doing it. Low on experience, low on firepower.

MacDonald had better be playing some ingenious 4D chess, rope-a-dope game here.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:35 am
by Monkey Magic
Plummer? Seriously?

Stuff it, in Leon we trust, it's still our yea...Plummer? Come on man.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:39 am
by Jimmy Smallsteps
Monkey Magic wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:35 am Plummer? Seriously?

Stuff it, in Leon we trust, it's still our yea...Plummer? Come on man.
An interesting choice. The 10-12 axis will be a bit samey, but they've got some big guns further out.

I'm sure Plummer will be serviceable as he's a good player, but it's a tough ask to mark up against an incumbent All Black centre.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 10:20 am
by Ymx
JPNZ wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 3:35 am Crusaders Named

15. David Havili
14. Sevu Reece
13. Braydon Ennor
12. Jack Goodhue
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo’unga
9. Bryn Hall

8. Whetukamokamo Douglas
7. Tom Christie
6. Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Samuel Whitelock
3. Michael Alaalatoa
2. Codie Taylor (captain)
1. Joe Moody

Reserves:

16. Andrew Makalio
17. George Bower
18. Oliver Jager
19. Quinten Strange
20. Sione Havili
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Fetuli Paea
23. Will Jordan
Thanks. Updated the OP

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:00 pm
by JPNZ
26mm of rain this week (mostly wednesday & yesterday) Fine day today and no more rain forecast before the match. There will be dew though on these cold winter nights. Ground should be decent for an entertaining clash. :thumbup:

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 9:36 pm
by Enzedder
Image

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 1:20 am
by FujiKiwi
Talismanic Blues player Dan Carter doesn’t need to even take the field. His mana infuses the Blues with spiritual and symbolic power.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 1:26 am
by Ali Cadoo
JPNZ wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 3:35 am Crusaders Named

8. Whetukamokamo Douglas
7. Tom Christie
6. Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Samuel Whitelock
3. Michael Alaalatoa
2. Codie Taylor (captain)
1. Joe Moody
There's something about a pack that you can sing to the tune of the Beach Boy's 'Kokomo'

Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa... Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea... come on pretty mama... Whetukamokamoooo...

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:25 am
by FujiKiwi
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson not over Carter signing with Blues

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... with-blues

Robertson on Carter playing for the Blues franchise:
"It's got right inside my head. I feel shaken to the core."
Robertson on Leon MacDonald as coach:
"He's a good coach, isn't he? This selection of Plummer in the midfield is really messing with me. Is Plummer going to slice Goodhue and Ennor to ribbons in the centres? Or is he going to use his kicking game to exploit David Havili's lack of experience, and make him look like a fool? I don't know! I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm drinking more than I ever have ever since that night before the test match in Argentina in '01."

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:50 am
by JM2K6
I know Otere Black has been having a good restarted tournament, but Beauden really does seem wasted at fullback. When you've got a guy who has been world class at 10 - yes, he has some flaws to his game, but so what - it seems strange to me to constantly relegate him to a position where he's actually a bit average.

Is this led by the All Blacks? Is the future for NZ going to continue to be BB at 15 with Mo'unga at 10? Even if DMac is available to play 15? Seems like a bad use of resources to me.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:54 am
by FujiKiwi
JM2K6 wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:50 am I know Otere Black has been having a good restarted tournament, but Beauden really does seem wasted at fullback. When you've got a guy who has been world class at 10 - yes, he has some flaws to his game, but so what - it seems strange to me to constantly relegate him to a position where he's actually a bit average.

Is this led by the All Blacks? Is the future for NZ going to continue to be BB at 15 with Mo'unga at 10? Even if DMac is available to play 15? Seems like a bad use of resources to me.
I think it's more from Leon MacDonald. The Blues have been such a flaky team for a decade and a half. MacDonald's idea seems to be that the most experienced players need to bring a no-nonsense, no-frills approach, at least to start off with.

For my money, apart from 2016—when he had a stellar year—Barrett's best performances have been from fullback, anyway.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 10:16 am
by hurinui
https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/blues ... robertson/

“It didn’t surprise me at all. Leon is a great coach, that’s why I had him in my All Blacks coaching group. I knew he was world class and knew he would turn the team [Blues] around."

So Leon was set to ditch the Blues after just one year at the helm? that's interesting..

On the otherhand.. can you believe the NZRU turned down a Razor, Leon coaching ticket??

I was informed his assistants were shit..

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:38 pm
by Auckman
FujiKiwi wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:25 am Crusaders coach Scott Robertson not over Carter signing with Blues

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... with-blues

Robertson on Carter playing for the Blues franchise:
"It's got right inside my head. I feel shaken to the core."
Robertson on Leon MacDonald as coach:
"He's a good coach, isn't he? This selection of Plummer in the midfield is really messing with me. Is Plummer going to slice Goodhue and Ennor to ribbons in the centres? Or is he going to use his kicking game to exploit David Havili's lack of experience, and make him look like a fool? I don't know! I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm drinking more than I ever have ever since that night before the test match in Argentina in '01."
Robertson is being a cheeky shit there. He knows Plummer is mince-meat at centre if the Crusader backline gets going.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:52 pm
by FujiKiwi
Sorry I was just kidding around with those quotes. I made them up.

Unfunny whoosh. My bad.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 1:27 pm
by world class phil
No TJ Faiane and 3 playmakers in the backline plus Christie starting at 9 with Nock dropping out entirely is puzzling. Ruru is not who you want to be bringing on to chase a match against the Sadists.

Now that everyone has seen Beauden underplay his hand over the previous rounds it's time to let him off the leash. Got a feeling that he will be a lot more visible on Saturday.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 2:46 am
by FujiKiwi
Yeah. The Ruru thing is weird, too. I'm no fan of Nock (Or any of the Blues halfbacks) but Nock had his best ever game the week before the bye.

Strange. I'm starting to rate MacDonald as a coach/selector, so maybe there's a method in the madness?

I just can't get past the Plummer starting thing though. Him against Goodhue is man versus boy stuff.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 3:46 am
by Auckman
Let's go boys!

Image

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:28 am
by FujiKiwi
Auckman wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 3:46 am Let's go boys!

Image
😂😂😂. Very good.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:31 am
by FujiKiwi
Can any locals give us an insight into the weather and conditions today?

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:41 am
by Sards
Probably the only match worth watching this weekend.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:46 am
by Kiwias
Auckman wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 3:46 am Let's go boys!

Image
Superb :crazy: :crazy:

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:48 am
by Kiwias
FujiKiwi wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:31 am Can any locals give us an insight into the weather and conditions today?
Shamelessly stolen from JPNZ on PR.
Game day! Beautiful winters day in Christchurch. Clear blue sky and plenty of sun. Conditions for July couldn’t be better. It’s currently 13c with 4 hours to kickoff. Will be around 6c at kickoff with a light NW breeze keeping the temp above 6c.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 6:52 am
by ManhoodObesity
Sards wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:41 am Probably the only match worth watching this weekend.
Yeah mate the other Aoteroa cup game is essentially a dead rubber at this point ( for the Chiefs) but if you enjoy your rugby you would probably watch it

And the Aus cup has just started, that might be worth a gander too

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:00 am
by Ymx
Very nervous and excited

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:05 am
by ManhoodObesity
Yeah ditto bro...

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:09 am
by Mr Bungle
Anyone having issues with SkyGo continuous loading wheel?

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:12 am
by Mr Bungle
Mr Bungle wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:09 am Anyone having issues with SkyGo continuous loading wheel?
Finally loaded but sound only :clap:

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:13 am
by Ymx
Blues doing well pinning back the saders.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:13 am
by Sandstorm
These NH scrum resets are great!

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:14 am
by ManhoodObesity
Akira!!!!!!

Fuck it’s held up

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:15 am
by stemoc
surely a try

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:16 am
by Mr Bungle
Mr Bungle wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:12 am
Mr Bungle wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:09 am Anyone having issues with SkyGo continuous loading wheel?
Finally loaded but sound only :clap:
Sorted, but not that stable. Takes an age to load. Back to the days of crappy SkyGo?

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:16 am
by FujiKiwi
Awww ref!

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:16 am
by ManhoodObesity
Can we please pretend I didn’t say Akira Ioane? :oops:

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:18 am
by Sandstorm
ManhoodObesity wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:14 am Akira!!!!!!

Bryn Hall around his neck

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:18 am
by FujiKiwi
Yes.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:18 am
by Sandstorm
Try Bloos. Their scrum looks solid

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:19 am
by ManhoodObesity
Lovely conversion!

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:19 am
by FujiKiwi
Oh Otere you legend.

Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:20 am
by Ymx
This is looking ominous