Crusaders 2020

Stargazer

The Crusaders have finished another Super Rugby season on top; lifting the Cup for the 10th time. Their player exodus is at least as bad as that of the Highlanders, but generally people seem to be much more pessimistic about the impact of that exodus on the Highlanders than on the Crusaders, despite the huge number of Super Rugby and All Blacks caps the red and blacks are losing. The Crusaders depth is impressive, but surely there will be consequences of losing so many stalwarts, especially in the forward pack?

I have again made a blog post in which I have listed the 2019 squad, players that have re-signed, retired or are leaving etc. I will update this list when further signings or departures are announced.

In which positions do the Crusaders need to recruit more players?
Who of the players of the initial 2019 squad would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
Who of the players that played in 2019, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
Which other player, who hasn't played for the Crusaders in 2019, would be on your wish list?
Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Crusaders in 2019, don't you want to be signed?

Blog post:
https://www.thesilverfern.com/posts/stargazer/2019-07/crusaders-2020

Chris

In which positions do the Crusaders need to recruit more players.
TH but they maybe sorted. Loose forwards is the biggest work on
Who of the players of the initial 2019 squad would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
Romano (that's getting done)Matale (I believed he has signed) are my 2 important re-signs.
3.Who of the players that played in 2019, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
Brodie McAlister really rate this young hooker perfect replacement for Funnel.
4.Which other player, who hasn't played for the Crusaders in 2019, would be on your wish list?
If we think TH is done then Frizzell would be a great sign to bolster the LF's
5.Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Crusaders in 2019, don't you want to be signed?
No one

cgrant

They should sign Tamaiti Williams, at least in their Development team. He's a huge prospect and once his scrummaging technique is improved, he'll be a great player.

Stargazer

If Hunt is really leaving, the Crusaders need to find a good back-up 10. I don't think Cameron is the answer and I also don't think Fergus Burke is a better prospect. It's unfortunate that there are so few promising 10s in NZ; all franchises are fishing in the same small pond (although I can think of one ).

I agree with @Chris that loose forward is a position they need to recruit well. I wonder whether Sanders is still under contract; I feel sorry for the man, but he's always injured and he didn't impress in the few games he played. They'd better spend the money on someone who can play well and regularly.

Oh, and Chris, you may be right about Mataele being signed. He posted this on instagram:

chchfanatic

@cgrant he’s on a 3 yr crusaders academy scholarship already

Chris

@Stargazer I think sanders has just finished his 2nd year of his 2 year contract so they may need to replace him as well

Stargazer

Photo on Jack Goodhue's instagram of all the departing players. So that confirms that, indeed, Mitch Hunt and Ben Funnell are leaving as well.

Chris

@Stargazer
I don't understand why Hunt is leaving the Crusaders to potentially take up the same role on the bench behind Ioane. on 2019 form you would think Josh Ioane will be the starting First Five in 2020, It seems weird to swap the Crusaders for what probably will be a development team(no disrespect to the Highlanders but fact) which may struggle in 2020.

Stargazer

@Chris Yeah, although he's likely to get more game time behind Ioane than behind Mo'unga. Very often, Mo'unga was subbed off within the last 10 minutes of the game, esp in the tight games. At the Landers, he'll probably get more minutes and more starts as well, even if he's still the deputy.

Duluth

@Chris

The rumours about Hunt going to the Highlanders have been around for months. Maybe he signed before Josh Ioane had his run of good form?

Chris

@Duluth
Yeah that could be it. In hindsight it may not now look as a good of move as he first thought.

Chris

@Stargazer Yeah Thats possible,Mounga could also get injured then he's starting , same at the Landers of course but I would think he would rather start in The Crusaders team than the Highlanders.

Bovidae

Hunt can also play fullback so has as much chance to start as McKay.

Yeetyaah

@Chris Could potentially not be the Landers though, just a rumor, was also rumored that Will Jordan was going south. Hunt could be heading north for all we know. He could fit in alright at the Canes or Chiefs as BB will probably take a sabbatical and Chiefs might not have Debreczeni next year (though I hope they do).

Chris

@Yeetyaah Well that would make more sense to me

chchfanatic

The guy I spoke to at semi final said hunt is definitely going to highlanders.Hunt wasn’t wanted at the crusaders.
He also said they have signed some stars. Hopefully Akira. Be great to see what he can do out of Auckland

Chris

@chchfanatic
wow that’s interesting Makes the mind do flip flops wondering who

Chris

@chchfanatic Is that the Highlanders or Crusaders who have signed some stars ?

Yeetyaah

@chchfanatic Akira is already signed on until 2021. Probably Frizzel.

chchfanatic

@Chris highlanders. The only star I know of is the all black prop. Who I presumed was nepo. But he said it’s ofa.

The Silver Fern

Crusaders 2020