SF Crusaders v Blues
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@brodean said in Crusaders v Blues (SF):
@ACT-Crusader said in Crusaders v Blues (SF):
Saders have already overachieved this season by just being in the finals after finishing 9th last year with pretty much the same team.
And now we face the defending champions in a semi final.
No expectations from here on in.
Crusaders have never lost a home semi. There will be an expectation to win for the team.
Nah. Some of the boys are already planning their Mad Monday session and a few others like Havili, McLeod, Ennor, Hotham and Fihaki are just thinking about their names being called out on June 23.
Blues by 8
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@ACT-Crusader Yeah - relying on the Christchurch hex doesn't seem like sound rugby strategy.
I'd have rather had the Brumbies than the Blues - I think we match up better against their strengths.
Will be a tough ask to maintain that 30-0 record two weeks running vs Blues and Chiefs (assuming the Brumbies get scuppered).
However, some advice this week for Vern.
Have your all boys spend 15 minutes before going to bed chanting something like the Dune" Litany against Fear."
"I must not fear Christchurch. Christchurch is not a mindkiller. Christchurch is not a little death... We are not ordained to lose... We can definitely win!".
Don't overdo it though.
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@Chris-B said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
@nostrildamus ChatGPT throws up some interesting results...
Not my question though.
I did ask Chat GPT this (which could be better worded)-Which New Zealand Rugby Player has have the highest ratio of times he is mentioned in a negative way to minutes "actually" playing of any rugby player in New Zealand?
"Determining the New Zealand rugby player with the highest ratio of negative mentions to actual playing time is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive data on media coverage and player minutes. However, based on recent reports and public discourse, Sam Cane, the former All Blacks captain, has been a focal point of criticism relative to his on-field contributions.
reuters.com+2planetrugby.com+2thetimes.co.uk+2Cane's leadership came under scrutiny, especially following his red card during the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa. This incident not only impacted the team's performance but also sparked debates about his role and decision-making as captain. Comparisons were drawn between Cane and South African captain Siya Kolisi, with some commentators highlighting Kolisi's strategic acumen and leadership qualities as superior.
thetimes.co.uk" -
Anyway, I promise never to criticise Akira Blackadder again.
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@chchfanatic said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
Never lost a home playoff game. That’s some stat.
It is.
Cotter's response was good too: "yet"
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@KiwiMurph said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
In my view it's going to come down to tight 5 and discipline. If Blues can avoid penalties (including scrum penalties) and get set piece parity then they have a shot. Otherwise Crusaders will kick to the corner and maul Blues into the ground.
Can rephrase this - if Tamaiti Williams is out, we're a good shot as the prop quality drops off hard for the Crusaders. If not, we're smoked.
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@ACT-Crusader said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
Saders have already overachieved this season by just being in the finals after finishing 9th last year with pretty much the same team.
And now we face the defending champions in a semi final.
No expectations from here on in.
I like the bait being dangled. But let’s just point out why the odds are heavily in the Crusaders favor.
14 current or former all blacks(15 if you count Drummond), one being the AB captain, along with multiple AB XV players. A Welsh international and an Australian international. If they don’t win with that then Penney really does suck. All pressure on the Crusaders, especially with that unbeaten home finals record.
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@Landers92 said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
@ACT-Crusader said in SF Crusaders v Blues:
Saders have already overachieved this season by just being in the finals after finishing 9th last year with pretty much the same team.
And now we face the defending champions in a semi final.
No expectations from here on in.
I like the bait being dangled. But let’s just point out why the odds are heavily in the Crusaders favor.
14 current or former all blacks(15 if you count Drummond), one being the AB captain, along with multiple AB XV players. A Welsh international and an Australian international. If they don’t win with that then Penney really does suck. All pressure on the Crusaders, especially with that unbeaten home finals record.
Yeah, but aren't most of those current and former ABs actually shit, and only have AB status because they are Cantabs?
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@Crazy-Horse nah, wouldn’t go that far. A bias for some players though, yes. But let’s stick to the semi final at hand eh😉
