Crusaders vs Canes
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="597065" data-time="1468652469">
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<p>I think when the RC squad is named you'll find Hansen is a clown so.</p>
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<p>Hansen is a great coach but he's not perfect. He's made selection mistakes before, and will continue to do so like every other coach.</p> -
35-10<br><br>
That was a statement and a half. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mattasaurus" data-cid="597069" data-time="1468652594">
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<p>Great game from canes. Dominated up front. And quite possibly their best game of the year.<br><br>
9 10 was key difference for me. S whitelock massive loss for home team.<br><br>
Role on the next game</p>
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<p>Yeah, Whitelock and Ellis fucked up my tipping!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="akan004" data-cid="597070" data-time="1468652597"><p>Hansen is a great coach but he's not perfect. He's made selection mistakes before, and will continue to do so like every other coach.</p></blockquote>
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Your opinion vs Hansen. ... no brainer -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="akan004" data-cid="597070" data-time="1468652597">
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<p>Hansen is a great coach but he's not perfect. He's made selection mistakes before, and will continue to do so like every other coach.</p>
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<p>I don't disagree. But there are a fair number of people who feel Crotty is worth his AB spot: yes he's not that dynamic on attack, but he reads the game well, and his defence is excellent. Minimal fuss, calm head, makes right decisions. I won't be fussed if he isn't in the match day 23, but he will definitely make the squad for sure. Compare some of the headless chicken stuff we saw from the more dynamic Fekitoa etc during the Welsh series...</p> -
Fuck me what a game. There a few things more satisfying in rugby then giving the Saders a hiding at home. I was nervous at half time thinking the try before the break would kick the Saders into life, but we just completely dominated the 2nd 40. Boyd has done a pretty incredible job with the Canes, undoing the damage by Hammateur and turning us into genuine title contenders for the 2nd year running.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="597078" data-time="1468652935">
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<p>I don't disagree. But there are a fair number of people who feel Crotty is worth his AB spot: yes he's not that dynamic on attack, but he reads the game well, and his defence is excellent. Minimal fuss, calm head, makes right decisions. I won't be fussed if he isn't in the match day 23, but he will definitely make the squad for sure. Compare some of the headless chicken stuff we saw from the more dynamic Fekitoa etc during the Welsh series...</p>
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<p>Fekitoa played well with the limited opportunities he got playing outside Crotty.</p> -
<p>crusaders absolutely smashed. going on the last few weeks i think that west vs mounga debate is pretty easily answered. nadolo has looked off his normal standard the last couple weeks, maybe injured? actually thought drummond was okay apart from the inexcusable charge down; fukofuka on the other hand was panicky andconstantly passed high. blackadder pulled drummond and shouldn't have. likewise franks. seemed to be subs by the numbers. tactics were shit, suffered from a total lack of possession, then when they did get it, kept kicking it back to the canes, just stupid.</p>
<p>canes were really good. barrett is still improving which is nice to see, controlled the game nicely. thought shields was more influential than vito or savea. mr T played a blinder. coles is good eh - a really good lineout thrower, that move for the gibbins break was sweet to watch. fifita is a cock. jules. wake up mate, for everyone's sake. </p> -
<p>Awesome game from the Canes. They were on fire! Players you didn't expect to shine, were shining. The Tongan Bear in particular, but also Halaholo was great. Julian Savea on the other hand was disappointing. Again.</p>
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<p>The Crusaders - although trying hard - were too much affected by all those injuries. Taufua, Whitelock and Ellis before the game, Nadolo & later McNicholl during the game; Owen Franks off early. Mentally they just didn't seem up to it.</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to see what the table looks like at the end of the weekend. Would be great if the Canes ended on top; although not impossible, it's still hard to imagine. I'll be going if it's a Canes home game!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="597078" data-time="1468652935">
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<p>I don't disagree. But there are a fair number of people who feel Crotty is worth his AB spot: yes he's not that dynamic on attack, but he reads the game well, and his defence is excellent. Minimal fuss, calm head, makes right decisions. I won't be fussed if he isn't in the match day 23, but he will definitely make the squad for sure. Compare some of the headless chicken stuff we saw from the more dynamic Fekitoa etc during the Welsh series...</p>
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<p>I read an interview a few weeks ago in which Hansen was quoted as saying that he compared Crotty with Conrad Smith, exactly on those characteristics you mention. I think - for now - Crotty's spot in the ABs is safe. Probably starting in combo with SBW when he returns to the ABs.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="reprobate" data-cid="597085" data-time="1468653564"><p>crusaders absolutely smashed. going on the last few weeks i think that west vs mounga debate is pretty easily answered. nadolo has looked off his normal standard the last couple weeks, maybe injured? actually thought drummond was okay apart from the inexcusable charge down; fukofuka on the other hand was panicky andconstantly passed high. blackadder pulled drummond and shouldn't have. likewise franks. seemed to be subs by the numbers. tactics were shit, suffered from a total lack of possession, then when they did get it, kept kicking it back to the canes, just stupid.<br>canes were really good. barrett is still improving which is nice to see, controlled the game nicely. thought shields was more influential than vito or savea. mr T played a blinder. coles is good eh - a really good lineout thrower, that move for the gibbins break was sweet to watch. fifita is a cock. jules. wake up mate, for everyone's sake.</p></blockquote><br>Agree with all of this. I have been on the West as the 4th best 1st 5 train for a couple of weeks. Mo'unga looks like he needs more rugby at any level<br>under his belt so he experiences more game time scenarios and circumstances and ultimately learns to make better decisions.<br><br>On another note, how about Brad Shields people? About 3 years ago he had this NPC season where he just tore shit up every game. But then he couldn't<br>seem to replicate it for the Canes. Tonight he seemed to repay the faith. Very impressive carries by him tonight. Possibly my man of the match.
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Well done Canes. Excellent defensive pressure. <br><br>
Man dos we miss Ellis. His box kicks to exit our end are so invaluable. Plus his support play. Drummond's pass might be quicker but he's a big step down in the other key parts of the game -
<p>Mo'unga is only in his first Super Rugby season. He started (almost) every game and may just be tired (not just physically). I think people are too harsh on him. He has been very good in most of his games, but seems affected by who else are playing in the backline. He seems a bit lost if experienced players around him are missing, in particular Crotty earlier in the season (and now playing 13 instead of 12) and Ellis. Don't forget he's never played under such pressure at this level before.</p>
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<p>West has just played his 2nd full season. He similarly performs better with some players around him than others; his combo with Ranger worked best until the latter got injured. West was definitely improving the last few games. </p>
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<p>Confidence (or lack of it) appears to affect both players. I'm sure that will get better for both of them, once they play in a well-functioning backline and with more games under their belt. Both still really young. </p>
