Crusaders v Blues
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1 Alex Hodgman, 2 Leni Apisai, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Scott Scrafton, 6 Tom Robinson, 7 Blake Gibson
, 8 Akira Ioane; 9 Jonathan Ruru, 10 Harry Plummer, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 13 TJ Faiane, 14 Caleb Clarke, 15 Melani Nanai.Reserves: 16 James Parsons, 17 Marcel Renata, 18 Lua Li, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Otere Black, 23 Levi Aumua
Players not considered with injury: Sione Mafileo (ankle), Stephen Perofeta (pectoral), Jordan Trainor (thigh), Sonny Bill Williams (knee), Michael Collins (groin), Karl Tu’inukuafe (illness), Sam Nock (hand), Matt Moulds (hand), Jed Brown (hamstring), Dalton Papalii (concussion),Tanielu Tele’a (foot).
https://blues.rugby/blues-look-to-test-themselves-against-champions/
The Blues are excited to test themselves against the best when they travel to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders in their Investec Super Rugby clash on Saturday. Coach Leon MacDonald said while the Blues had played well in their closely-fought loss to the Super Rugby Champions in the opening game, that the Crusaders had gone on to again set the standard in the competition. While many are billing the match as crucial, the Blues are not letting themselves become outcome-focussed. “We have had the same approach every game and that is to strive to produce quality performances and to improve every week,” said coach Leon MacDonald. “If you put on a performance of quality over 80 minutes, then positive results are likely to follow, and we are getting closer to achieving that. “We know that we will need to be at our very best against the Crusaders. Just like the people of the region, they know how to dig deep in times of adversity, and so we know what to expect.” An in-form Leni Apisai gets his second start, joining props Alex Hodgman and Ofa Tuungafasi, who both impressed with full 80-minute displays last week. Resilient young No 8 Akira Ioane will make his 31st straight Super start in the loose forward trio with co-captain Blake Gibson and standout rookie Tom Robinson. The unchanged backline is a blend of impressive young prospects like Caleb Clarke and Harry Plummer with the experience of Ma’a Nonu, the competition’s most experienced player.
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Players not considered with injury: Sione Mafileo (ankle), Stephen Perofeta (pectoral), Jordan Trainor (thigh), Sonny Bill Williams (knee), Michael Collins (groin), Karl Tu’inukuafe (illness), Sam Nock (hand), Matt Moulds (hand), Jed Brown (hamstring), Dalton Papalii (concussion),Tanielu Tele’a (foot).
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Sucks about Papalii but excellent to see Sotutu on the bench for a potential debut.
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no mention of Goodhue, he was out last week for concussion wasnt he?
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@taniwharugby correct.
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Leni Apisai coming in to start at hooker with Matt Moulds done for the season (and his Blues career) with a hand injury.
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@KiwiMurph From that article:
But Umaga is pretty sure they won't see a Crusaders side with visible cracks from the inquiry that has been launched over the off-field incidents, even if they will be missing All Blacks skipper Kieran Read from their pack this week as he takes a designated rest to coincide with the stinger he picked up in Cape Town.
I'm not so sure. The Crusaders were very rattled after the Chch terror attack; this will affect at least the players concerned, and one of them is probably the most important player in their team.
And no Read.
If there's one week in which the Blues have a good chance of beating the Saders, it's this week.
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Sonny Bill Williams is still a week away from returning post his knee scope
Tom Robinson – providing he shakes off a tender knee that was being iced post-Thursday's hitout
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Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Isi Tu'ungafasi, George Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor.
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Crusaders
1 Joe Moody
2 Andrew Makalio
3 Michael Alaalatoa
4 Scott Barrett
5 Sam Whitelock (c)
6 Jordan Taufua
7 Matt Todd (vc)
8 Whetukamokamo Douglas
9 Bryn Hall
10 Richie Mo'unga
11 George Bridge
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Jack Goodhue
14 Sevu Reece
15 David HaviliReserves:
16 Brodie McAlister*
17 Isi Tu'ungafasi
18 George Bower
19 Luke Romano
20 Ethan Blackadder
21 Mitchell Drummond
22 Mitchell Hunt
23 Braydon Ennor
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@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Isi Tu'ungafasi, George Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor.Pull your pants down, Blues. This may tickle a little
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@KiwiMurph Oh snap.
How do the media always manage to find the worst photos of players? I'm sure they do it on purpose.
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@Hooroo 57 points worth of tickling?
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@Tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Hooroo 57 points worth of tickling?
It will be some sorta ticklin, make no mistake.
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@Hooroo said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Isi Tu'ungafasi, George Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor.Pull your pants down, Blues. This may tickle a little
I thought it would pinch?
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Crusaders team looks weak...
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Looks Strong enough to me with Moodey back. Read Missing but Douglas has been one of our best players this season.Great to Brodie McAlister get a run he's a talented young hooker.
The only Question Mark for me is Head Space after all the pathetic allegations (which seems to have no substance) that have been thrown at the team.
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Most interesting feature, perhaps, is the bench props.
Bower and Tuúngafasi supplanting Allan and Jager.
A few weeks ago there were Moody, Taylor, Read and Bridge still to do rests in this period between our byes. Just George left to rest, I think - perhaps waiting for Jordan to be back on board?
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@Chris-B Bridge has missed several games due to injury. Do they count?
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@Stargazer Did he miss those since our bye? If so, I've just forgotten he didn't play.
If not, I think he has to miss one to avoid playing a streak of seven games.
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@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph From that article:
But Umaga is pretty sure they won't see a Crusaders side with visible cracks from the inquiry that has been launched over the off-field incidents, even if they will be missing All Blacks skipper Kieran Read from their pack this week as he takes a designated rest to coincide with the stinger he picked up in Cape Town.
I'm not so sure. The Crusaders were very rattled after the Chch terror attack; this will affect at least the players concerned, and one of them is probably the most important player in their team.
And no Read.
If there's one week in which the Blues have a good chance of beating the Saders, it's this week.
Slight difference between a terrorist attack and some weak allegations against a couple of players.
Can’t see it affecting the team at all, other than to bunker down and support their teammates.
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@Hooroo said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Hooroo 57 points worth of tickling?
It will be some sorta ticklin, make no mistake.
We have the forward pack to keep it close, like in round one. We aren’t going to win this, especially away and especially against the Crusaders.
But we can make them work for it.
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@Chris-B He missed the games against the Chiefs in round 4; Hurricanes, Brumbies and Highlanders in round 7, 8 & 9; the bye was round 10 ... yup, you're right; he still has to miss one. But they've not been consistent with the requirements, for example, with Rieko Ioane and Dmac (and I think another players, can't remember who), so maybe they will be lenient in his case as well, because he already missed 4 games. We'll see. I guess the Rebels game will be the one to miss.
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@Kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
Slight difference between a terrorist attack and some weak allegations against a couple of players.
Can’t see it affecting the team at all, other than to bunker down and support their teammates.
Razor just has to give Richie the right amount of pre-game beer. Enough so he forgets about the allegations, but not so much that he runs amok!
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
Slight difference between a terrorist attack and some weak allegations against a couple of players.
Can’t see it affecting the team at all, other than to bunker down and support their teammates.
Razor just has to give Richie the right amount of pre-game beer. Enough so he forgets about the allegations, but not so much that he runs amok!
Mo'unga really doesn't have to play that well to be better than what Cameron was vs Tahs.
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@Kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph From that article:
But Umaga is pretty sure they won't see a Crusaders side with visible cracks from the inquiry that has been launched over the off-field incidents, even if they will be missing All Blacks skipper Kieran Read from their pack this week as he takes a designated rest to coincide with the stinger he picked up in Cape Town.
I'm not so sure. The Crusaders were very rattled after the Chch terror attack; this will affect at least the players concerned, and one of them is probably the most important player in their team.
And no Read.
If there's one week in which the Blues have a good chance of beating the Saders, it's this week.
Slight difference between a terrorist attack and some weak allegations against a couple of players.
Can’t see it affecting the team at all, other than to bunker down and support their teammates.
If you're accused of something bad, even if it's based on no or few facts, and you are already condemned by the trial of (social) media and receiving lots of hateful messages because you're in the limelight, it's going to affect you, however weak the allegations are. These are young players and this will be hard for them. I have no doubt it will affect at least the four players involved, esp RM and GB. Hopefully, it won't affect their game, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Edit: different situation, but remember that interview with Pat T after that affair with the positive A sample and the media already finding him guilty of doping? In that interview he clearly stated how hard it had been, for him and his family, eventhough he knew he hadn't used anything.
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Keep safe Blues, these Crusaders are dodgy and have a horrible culture.
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@African-Monkey said in Crusaders v Blues:
Keep safe Blues, these Crusaders are dodgy and have a horrible culture.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/112939715/super-rugby-crusaders-push-the-letter-of-the-law
Bunch of cheating bar stewards, too....
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Referee: Mike Fraser
AR1: Brendon Pickerill
AR2: Glen Jackson
TMO: Aaron Paterson
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@Machpants
"The Crusaders must be applauded for playing with incredible intensity but is that intensity always disciplined? The big argument at the moment is that South African referees aren't objective because they award many more penalties against foreign teams. The insinuation is that SA referees are dishonest but a way more logical explanation is that the game is played differently in South Africa…"I'd agree with Mr Venter if I didn't see South African sides doing the same thing with various degrees of success.
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@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph From that article:
But Umaga is pretty sure they won't see a Crusaders side with visible cracks from the inquiry that has been launched over the off-field incidents, even if they will be missing All Blacks skipper Kieran Read from their pack this week as he takes a designated rest to coincide with the stinger he picked up in Cape Town.
I'm not so sure. The Crusaders were very rattled after the Chch terror attack; this will affect at least the players concerned, and one of them is probably the most important player in their team.
And no Read.
If there's one week in which the Blues have a good chance of beating the Saders, it's this week.
Slight difference between a terrorist attack and some weak allegations against a couple of players.
Can’t see it affecting the team at all, other than to bunker down and support their teammates.
If you're accused of something bad, even if it's based on no or few facts, and you are already condemned by the trial of (social) media and receiving lots of hateful messages because you're in the limelight, it's going to affect you, however weak the allegations are. These are young players and this will be hard for them. I have no doubt it will affect at least the four players involved, esp RM and GB. Hopefully, it won't affect their game, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Edit: different situation, but remember that interview with Pat T after that affair with the positive A sample and the media already finding him guilty of doping? In that interview he clearly stated how hard it had been, for him and his family, eventhough he knew he hadn't used anything.
Perhaps, I was more raising my eyebrows at you trying to compare the teams mental state after the Christchurch attacks where people died and a misunderstanding in a McDonalds.
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Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
Good that Kieren read is getting a rest, he must be exhausted after playing so many minutes this season
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@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph Oh snap.
How do the media always manage to find the worst photos of players? I'm sure they do it on purpose.
Look at those hate filled eyes looking for some homosexuals to bully......shameful.
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@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
Good that Kieren read is getting a rest, he must be exhausted after playing so many minutes this season
Let me know when the Crusaders fans stop talking about that forward pass in the Stormers thread...
All fan get stuck into the ref at some point. It’s part of giving a shit about the result.
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Who should be All Blacks captain now Read is showing the same fragility as Crotty? Sam Whitelock?
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@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
I will so enjoy it if this post comes back to bite you.
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@Crucial said in Crusaders v Blues:
@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
I will so enjoy it if this post comes back to bite you.
I’ll be too drunk to care
There’s 2 games I really look forward to each year, blurs and chiefs at home. I missed the chiefs game because a friend scheduled his wedding that day, so I plan to enjoy this one.
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@Kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
Good that Kieren read is getting a rest, he must be exhausted after playing so many minutes this season
Let me know when the Crusaders fans stop talking about that forward pass in the Stormers thread...
All fan get stuck into the ref at some point. It’s part of giving a shit about the result.
The key phrase being “at some point”
You seem to do it every week, at a frequency that makes me wonder if you even have time to watch the game.
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@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Looking forward to getting home from the game and reading 17 pages of blues fans complaining about the refereeing.
Good that Kieren read is getting a rest, he must be exhausted after playing so many minutes this season
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Bring it home Blues! I'll be there cheering you on (to another loss in Chch).
