Force v Crusaders

[Duluth]

The wooden spoon decider

[Nevorian]

I would expect the Force to lift playing at home against a shaky Crusaders outfit - if they get a decent early lead will be hard to beat

[Canes4life]

@Nevorian surely the Saders get the job done this week, if not, they don't deserve to be in the playoffs.

[ruggabee]

@Canes4life they shouldn't be in playoffs regardless. comp should be double round-robin (home + away) with top 6 finals.

[African Monkey]

Lol they won't lose this week. The Force are about as good as a mid table NPC side.

[george33]

Force look like they have got some reinforcements returning against crusaders in 23

[antipodean]

@george33 said in Force v Crusaders:

Force look like they have got some reinforcements returning against crusaders in 23

If they've spent the bye week doing defensive drills, the Crusades could be in trouble.

[Duluth]

From the Crusaders website:

Johnny McNicholl sustained a finger injury during the Crusaders clash with the Waratahs on Friday night. He has returned to Christchurch for imaging and specialist review, after which time his return to play timeline will be more evident.

Willi Heinz sustained a calf injury during training in Perth on Tuesday. He has also returned to Christchurch for further assessment.

Return to play timelines will be evident for both after assessment in Christchurch.

Ryan Crotty and Louie Chapman have flown to Perth to join the touring group.

[Duluth]

Crusaders Team Announcement for Round 9 v Force

The coaches have named their team to take on the Western Force at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 20 April. Kick off is 5.35pm in Perth, 9.35pm in New Zealand.

[Duluth]

Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Sam Carter, Thomas Franklin, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White (c), Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale

Reserves: Ben Funnell, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell

[Duluth]

Kurtley Beale returns to SR

[Bones]

@Duluth a couple of months or so ago that bench would've made people double take and remark on how strong the starting side must be and praise the crusaders depth.

[Canes4life]

Isn’t Anzac round next week?

[Bones]

How is your job talking about rugby players, you read "Fihaki" and say "Fihaka"?

[Machpants]

Nice kick

[Bones]

Has Lio-Willie played this year?

[Machpants]

Nice shoulder charge ffs

[Duluth]

Good run from Kurtley

[Bones]

Yuck from Fihaki

[Canes4life]

Nice try by the Force there.