Crusaders v Brumbies

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer No big surprises in that team - sort of telegraphed by the starting XV in the final trial match.

I'm a bit surprised at Funnell starting ahead of Taylor, but I doubt we'll see that for too long.

Can't say I've ever paid any attention to Whetu Douglas, but I'd guess he's a third lineout option.

For anyone who hasn't seen, attached is the Crusader Knights squad giving an indication of others "sort of in the frame" for the future.

http://crusaders.co.nz/news/1050-crusaders-knights-squad-named-for-2017-season

[Stargazer]

@Chris-B. In case you hadn't seen it, I posted that Crusaders Knights squad with games in the Crusaders 2017 squad as well.

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer Ah - so you have. All I saw recently was a news article that rambled on about Maddock having chosen the team, but omitted to say who was in it.

[antipodean]

Crusaders look bloody good in the first five minutes. Good carries. Fast ball at rucks. Patient. Up 7-0

[taniwharugby]

Moody lucky not to be pinged for that clean out!

[antipodean]

@taniwharugby Looked like a flying shoulder.

[Stargazer]

Ha, Read on waterboy duties!

[taniwharugby]

how can he ping the crusaders?

[antipodean]

They went straight over the ball.

[Tim]

Think he called Dagg for playing it on the ground?

[taniwharugby]

@Tim it appeared as it the Brumbies had ingringed before he did that??

[Stargazer]

Goodhue is looking good. A handful for the Brumboys' defence.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer cant wait to see him back in Cambridge blue later this year!

[Stargazer]

Franks almost decapitated. Not penalised. Penalty was for something else.

[antipodean]

If Hall opens his eyes he can see opportunities to snipe around the ruck. Big spaces either side of the pillar.

[Stargazer]

Crusaders clearly the dominant team, but can't convert it into points because Brumbies' defence is working well. Dagg is looking very good.

[antipodean]

@Stargazer Dagg carrying the backline.

Lovely offload for their second try.

[Stargazer]

Good first half from the Crusaders; just need to take their opportunities more and score more points. Ponies are boring.
Dagg a class apart.

[Billy Tell]

Israel Dagg

Starting where he left off.

I know he has no height, but given the insipid performances of the likes of Elliott Dixon at AB level, I wonder if the ABs could do worse than have a look at a pocket rocket type 6 like Taufua. It works well for the likes of Stander and Ireland.

[Stargazer]

@Billy-Tell said in Crusaders v Brumbies:

Israel Dagg

Starting where he left off.

I know he has no height, but given the insipid performances of the likes of Elliott Dixon at AB level, I wonder if the Abs could do worse than have a look at a pocket rocket type 6 like Taufua. It works well for the likes of Stander and Ireland.

Taufua was one of the best players in that first half. His work rate is incredible!

Also liked what I saw from Goodhue and Samu.

Did anyone hear what's wrong with Todd and who has replaced Samu on the bench?