Crusaders v Waratahs

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer This article in the week leading up to the Chiefs game said Blackadder was only nearing the halfway point in his recovery, and seems to be a bit more accurate than suggestions for the last few weeks that his return is imminent (which hopefully it now is).

Apr 23, 2023

Blackadder looking forward to 'unreal' Crusaders-Chiefs clash

The injured loose forward said his teammates were "pumped" for the game against the top-of-the-table Chiefs.

It is a bit concerning not to see Will on the teamsheet - but, I guess they are managing him very carefully.

[Crucial]

@Chris-B said in Crusaders v Waratahs:

@Stargazer This article in the week leading up to the Chiefs game said Blackadder was only nearing the halfway point in his recovery, and seems to be a bit more accurate than suggestions for the last few weeks that his return is imminent (which hopefully it now is).

Apr 23, 2023

Blackadder looking forward to 'unreal' Crusaders-Chiefs clash

The injured loose forward said his teammates were "pumped" for the game against the top-of-the-table Chiefs.

It is a bit concerning not to see Will on the teamsheet - but, I guess they are managing him very carefully.

If that’s what he needs then it’s a concern for the ABs

[NTA]

Compared to last week:
Hooper rested - Gamble promoted - bench reverts to 5-3
Seu replaces Harris who goes to the bench
Tuipolotou comes in for Perese, Walton goes out 1
Lambert back onto the bench for Holz
Goddard onto the bench to fill the remaining hole
Teddy Wilson on U20 duty so Tane Edmed onto the bench for him

Pretty close to what you'd call full strength, considering the injuries.

Bell, Foketi, Perese probably being the main ones.

Don't lose much with Gamble instead of Hooper.

[KiwiMurph]

@NTA said in Crusaders v Waratahs:

Teddy Wilson on U20 duty so Tane Edmed onto the bench for him

Wilson is a 9 so is replaced by Goddard.

[NTA]

@KiwiMurph good point. I knew that but was focused on the fact I completely missed our 6-2 split last week

[SBW1]

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/super-rugby-pacific-crusaders-boosted-as-all-blacks-veteran-returns-for-waratahs-clash/ar-AA1bF0R6?ocid=hpmsn&pc=ACTE&cvid=8b2e495e30f1400a9665f0aa428dd1ab&ei=14

[Chris]

A few changes to the Crusaders. LF to centre,Fihaki on to the wing ,Afoa starting.
Ennor,Williams not starting

[Grooter]

@Chris go well John!

[Stargazer]

Tamaiti Williams out; John Afoa starting at 3

Ennor ruled out; Fainga'anuku moving to 13; McLeod moving to 11; Fihaki starting at 14; Patafilo coming onto the bench at 22

[KiwiMurph]

Huge chance for the Tahs here you'd think

[Tim]

@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Waratahs:

Tamaiti Williams out

Any details on why? Precaution?

[KiwiMurph]

Good crowd.

Hopefully even more afternoon games next year.

[Stargazer]

@Tim I read in the media that he has so far played every game and a lot of minutes and he would have had a rest earlier if Oli Jager hadn't suffered an injury a few weeks ago. So I assume it's to give him a rest before the finals.

[KiwiMurph]

Nice try Crusaders.

Entertaining start to this game.

[Stargazer]

Cullen Grace injured?

[KiwiMurph]

Sad to see both Grace and Jorgensen gone with knee injuries

[KiwiMurph]

Obviously a mismatch backline but Crusaders discipline horrendous

[Mattasaurus]

Good to actually see offside getting punished properly.

[Stargazer]

Mo'unga injured?

[Mattasaurus]

Restarts no good for the Sothern franchises.... why play it down there at all .... just exit