Blues vs Crusaders

[Kirwan]

Crusaders are huge favourites - theirs to lose, all I'm looking for is an improvement in the team structure for the Blues and a coherant game plan.

It'll take time to flush away the Tana stink, so I have low expectations for this year.

It takes time for a coach to get the players they want now thanks to the contract structure, so that's a factor too.

So a loss for the Crusaders will be a bit of a disaster. A competitive, organised looking Blues performance will be the aim for us. Something to build from.

[KiwiMurph]

Blues actually have a decent record under new coaches - they tend to win their first game but that's been something of a false dawn.

• Blues won their first game under Umaga against the Highlanders at Eden Park (their last NZ derby win I think?)

• Blues won their first game under Kirwan against the Canes in Wellington

• Blues won their first game under Lam against the Force in Perth I believe

Having said that - I can't see the Blues winning this weekend - Razor has barely lost a game as Crusaders coach in 2 years. I am very much looking forward to seeing the Blues under their new coaches though.

[Kirwan]

@mariner4life said in Blues vs Crusaders:

I love the run up to Round 1, and the anticipation of an improved Blues team.

Anticipation that will barely make it out of the first quarter.

Think you are projecting a bit there. Most of what I see is relief that Tana isn’t giggling his way through interviews anymore.

We are well aware that we have a long way to go.

[mariner4life]

@Kirwan said in Blues vs Crusaders:

@mariner4life said in Blues vs Crusaders:

I love the run up to Round 1, and the anticipation of an improved Blues team.

Anticipation that will barely make it out of the first quarter.

Think you are projecting a bit there. Most of what I see is relief that Tana isn’t giggling his way through interviews anymore.

We are well aware that we have a long way to go.

you are doing it wrong

[Bones]

@mariner4life said in Blues vs Crusaders:

@Kirwan said in Blues vs Crusaders:

@mariner4life said in Blues vs Crusaders:

I love the run up to Round 1, and the anticipation of an improved Blues team.

Anticipation that will barely make it out of the first quarter.

Think you are projecting a bit there. Most of what I see is relief that Tana isn’t giggling his way through interviews anymore.

We are well aware that we have a long way to go.

you are doing it wrong

[Crazy Horse]

You guys were saying the same about Auckland in the NPC and things turned out OK. I am not buying your pessimism.

[Tim]

Very short highlights:

[Daffy Jaffy]

Match Blues v Crusaders
Referee Nick Briant
AR1 Federico Anselmi
AR2 Dan Waenga
TMO Ben Skeen

[pakman]

Winter's coming? Can't wait!!!

[Duluth]

15 Michael Collins, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Ma’a Nonu, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu ©, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1 Alex Hodgman

Reserves: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Matt Matich, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.

Blues Rugby

The official home of the Blues rugby team. Buy tickets and merchandise, get the latest news, view results and go behind-the-scenes with our players.

[ACT Crusader]

A very good Blues side at home under a new head coach against a young Crusader side with a host of ABs out. Traditionally slow starters and hung over from 2018 title.

Blues heavy favourites and should win by 10+

[Gunner]

Pretty good Blues line up, with plenty of firepower on the bench too.

The Blues obsession with M Collins continues.

[taniwharugby]

@Gunner well Collins was selected by Tana and now MacDonald, a former FB, 2 coaches now see something in him...or just last man standing at 15

[Duluth]

@Gunner said in Blues vs Crusaders:

The Blues obsession with M Collins continues.

Not a surprise. I don't recall Trainor playing in the pre-season (maybe injured?)

The 15 used were Perofeta (injured) and Collins

Looking at the Blues A side the fullback is Hawaii Ahokovi who hasn't played NPC yet

[KiwiMurph]

There is really no other option for 15 at the moment with Duffie, Trainor and Perofeta all injured.

Very happy to see Ruru at 9.

Hopefully the starting front row does not get munched.

Very excited to see how the Blues look under the new coaches.

[Stargazer]

Crusaders team to play the Blues:
1 Joe Moody
2 Andrew Makalio
3 Owen Franks
4 Scott Barrett
5 Quinten Strange
6 Jordan Taufua
7 Matt Todd (C)
8 Whetukamokamo Douglas
9 Bryn Hall
10 Richie Mo'unga
11 George Bridge
12 Ryan Crotty (VC)
13 Braydon Ennor
14 Manasa Mataele
15 David Havili

RESERVES
16 Ben Funnell
17 Tim Perry
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Luke Romano
20 Tom Sanders
21 Mitchell Drummond
22 Mitchell Hunt
23 Will Jordan*

*denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

https://crusaders.co.nz/news/1301-bnz-crusaders-team-named-for-super-rugby-opener-at-eden-park

[taniwharugby]

strong line up even sans a few AB starters!

[Stargazer]

Confirmed in the article below: Jack Goodhue out with a slight groin strain and Ethan Blackadder with a shoulder injury.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/110586511/super-rugby-crusaders-coach-scott-robertson-unleashing-his-all-blacks-against-blues

[Tim]

Any word on when Ere Enari will be ready to play? Scott Robinson has been talking him up a lot in preseason.

[Stargazer]

@Tim He has already played during preseason, but he's the 3rd halfback, so will have to wait until they'll rest Hall or Drummond (or one of them gets injured).