Crusaders 2023
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@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:
It looks like we have signed
P Patafilo as a MF option to replace I Punivai or D McLeod
and the players in bold type to replace the bracketed players.
M Springer /- G Bridge
M Nanai /K Naholo
N Hotham / B Hall
C Lio-Willie / P Matera
G Bell/S Klein3rd HB
3rd First Five
7th LF still not determined wether
TTT,S Hickey and S Havilli have been resigned, or replaced.Where is D McLeod going?
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders 2023:
@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:
It looks like we have signed
P Patafilo as a MF option to replace I Punivai or D McLeod
and the players in bold type to replace the bracketed players.
M Springer /- G Bridge
M Nanai /K Naholo
N Hotham / B Hall
C Lio-Willie / P Matera
G Bell/S Klein3rd HB
3rd First Five
7th LF still not determined wether
TTT,S Hickey and S Havilli have been resigned, or replaced.Where is D McLeod going?
I am not sure if its McLeod or I Punivai left out.
Probably Landers if anywhere. -
@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:
@Asterik6 said in Crusaders 2023:
Fainganuku
Did a really good job at 13 when he was used there in 2022,He caused some problems for defences the few starts he had.
MF hasn't been too much of a problem the last 5 years it certainly hasn't affected the ability to win titles.That's only because the Crusaders gameplan doesn't rely on power midfielders, they have guile and grace in the centres, distributers/playmakers, who get the ball into the hands of power backs Fainganu'uku and Reece, their power is on the wings.
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@kiwi_expat said in Crusaders 2023:
@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:
@Asterik6 said in Crusaders 2023:
Fainganuku
Did a really good job at 13 when he was used there in 2022,He caused some problems for defences the few starts he had.
MF hasn't been too much of a problem the last 5 years it certainly hasn't affected the ability to win titles.That's only because the Crusaders gameplan doesn't rely on power midfielders, they have guile and grace in the centres, distributers/playmakers, who get the ball into the hands of power backs Fainganuuku and Reece, their power is on the wings.
Which they often use running 1 or 2 wide on rucks, set pieces and mauls.
So they do use power runners in the centre of the field especially on 2nd phase onwards. -
@Chris Yep, they always get big Leicester running in those centre channels off the set-piece.
I think it's still interesting that it's been 10 years, since 2012/13 seasons (with Robbie Fruen, SBW) the last time Crusaders had any genuine power midfielders in their squad.
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@kiwi_expat said in Crusaders 2023:
@Chris Yep, they always get big Leicester running in those centre channels off the set-piece.
I think it's still interesting that it's been 10 years, since 2012/13 seasons (with Robbie Fruen, SBW) the last time Crusaders had any genuine power midfielders in their squad.
Changed their attack lines probably because the defences in SR have changed quite a bit,
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Fergus Burke Signs Contract with Crusaders
Fergus Burke is STAYING in the Garden City until 2024 after signing his new Crusaders contract
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The only thing that worries me about Nanai is all the injuries
Torn hamstring surgery 2019
ACL surgery 2022
Both while playing at Worcester
Then he signed for BOP for the 2022 NPC and was injured again and didn’t play.Thats why the Landers pulled out - they didn't want to risk having another 'banged up' player on their books.
Blues offered him a draft contract.
The Chiefs were stalling on putting an offer in front of him, Razor got him down for a chin wag - Chiefs got wind of it and sent him a contract but Nanai was sold on the Crusaders.
Robertson made him feel wanted. -
@kiwi_expat said in Crusaders 2023:
@Chris Yep, they always get big Leicester running in those centre channels off the set-piece.
I think it's still interesting that it's been 10 years, since 2012/13 seasons (with Robbie Fruen, SBW) the last time Crusaders had any genuine power midfielders in their squad.
We did have Nadolo after that and we changed the way attacked. He had the odd venture in the midfield when we had injuries but we used him a lot through the middle of the park. But defensively he was a winger!
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Hearing that former Blues winger Melani Nanai might be a signing for the Crusaders
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Another cryptic tweet from the Crusaders indicating someone from Hurricanes country is on their way to the Saders.
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@SouthernMann said in Crusaders 2023:
Another cryptic tweet from the Crusaders indicating someone from Hurricanes country is on their way to the Saders.
P PATAFILO
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@Steven-Harris said in Crusaders 2023:
Hearing that former Blues winger Melani Nanai might be a signing for the Crusaders
@Nogusta dropped that oil last week.
When he was at the Blues he was a skilful player and on his day could be very elusive.
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@Chris Where’s TTT going? Highlanders?
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@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:
Dallas McLeod re signed for 2023 another piece in the squad.
He needs a big season. He made NPC look difficult. I remember he was being talked up on here as he was coming through the grades but he hasn't delivered yet.
Fihaki is another who must be running out of time to make his mark.
