Tasman vs Southland
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@cgrant Hmmm, nothing in this article where it mentions Fredericks being injured. Who would you leave out? Definitely not Alaimalo or Jordan. It seems to be a tussle for a spot between him and Spowart? And don't forget, they're playing Southland.
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@stargazer said in Ta$man vs Southland:
@cgrant Hmmm, nothing in this article where it mentions Fredericks being injured. Who would you leave out? Definitely not Alaimalo or Jordan. It seems to be a tussle for a spot between him and Spowart? And don't forget, they're playing Southland.
This is a good reason why he should have played : an easy game is a good occasion to test new players at this level.
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@cgrant More surprising, I think, is that Spowart was preferred to Leicester's big brother Tima.
A bit unfortunate to play Southland this early in the campaign when we don't need to rest players. They're the closest thing you're likely to get to a bye week.
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Beautiful day in Blenheim, afternoon rugby should be made compulsory. Chris B must be breathing a little better now after his Mako score a nice try to get themselves back into the game at Ta$man 12 - 12 Southland in a game where Southland have actually been more than competitive in the thirty minutes played so far.
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Great 1st half from Southland. They might not win the game but great to see them having a dig. Ta$man a bit complacent which is bound to happen in these sorts of games.
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Jordan is class! stays inj free could be a bolter for WC, will overtake Dagg as a Crusader next year.
Selby-Rickett showed some skill, hope Highlanders pick him up, -
@98blueandgold Big disappointment of Super Rugby this year was not seeing what he could do at that level.
Back three of Jordan, Bridge and Havili for the Crusaders would have some firepower - with Mataele, Dagg and Ennor in the mix - though I think we might see Ennor in midfield a bit more.
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Yeah there's a queue forming at the Crusaders for the 15 jersey. Dagg, Havili'i, Bridge and Jordan would all like to be in it. Bridge is a first choice winger and Jordan may just have to bide his time for another year or two until Dagg and possibly Havili'i clear off after the RWC. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Dagg sought an early clearance and grabbed a European contract even before the World Cup.
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@shark I doubt Havili will go anywhere after the RWC. He's only 23, still developing as a player and - the last two years - the first choice fullback for the Crusaders (keeping both Dagg and Bridge out of the 15 jersey). He's is test capped and - presumably - he'll still be on the ABs radar. I have no doubt that's what his ambitions are; to get another shot at the ABs. He's not that far off. One or two more good seasons at SR level, and he may get another call-up, esp in case of a BFA departure. Sooner, in case of injury. Hansen & co have said they like his versatility. Getting the Ta$man captaincy may give him some confidence, which he seemed to lack a bit at the beginning of the 2018 SR season.
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@stargazer said in Ta$man vs Southland:
@shark I doubt Havili will go anywhere after the RWC. He's only 23, still developing as a player and - the last two years - the first choice fullback for the Crusaders (keeping both Dagg and Bridge out of the 15 jersey). He's is test capped and - presumably - he'll still be on the ABs radar. I have no doubt that's what his ambitions are; to get another shot at the ABs. He's not that far off. One or two more good seasons at SR level, and he may get another call-up, esp in case of a BFA departure. Sooner, in case of injury. Hansen & co have said they like his versatility. Getting the Ta$man captaincy may give him some confidence, which he seemed to lack a bit at the beginning of the 2018 SR season.
I actually think he reached peak form in 2017 and might struggle to get back there. Sure, Smith will be goneski after the RWC but he's still behind Barrett and McKenzie with the chance someone else could emerge (Jordan possibly). His versatility and potential issues in the Crusaders midfield going forward (ie Crotty injuries) could see him shifted around a bit as well, opening up opportunities for others in the Crusaders 15 jumper. All combined, I think he will find it difficult to get back into black and if he becomes frustrated due to any of the aforementioned factors, he could be off.
