Crusaders 2023
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2023:
So, we are losing Bridge, Hall, Klein and Matera - and replacing them with Springer, Hotham, Bell and Lio-Willie.
Then I guess there's a few optional changes (like Klein) - Hickey, McLeod and Punivai are guys I'd be looking closely at trying to upgrade from.
Anyone else likely to be lost - Sevu a possibility, but I reckon he'll hang on for RWC.
Kini Naholo also going to another franchise.
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2023:
@Chris Is that right? That's a pity - even though we barely used him.
I guess that would open a spot for the Northlander, Murray (?) that Steven Harris was mentioning.
Yep as far as I understand he is taking up an offer elsewhere.
Explains the interest in Murray. -
Dan Perrin named as Crusaders Forwards Coach
Tasman Mako Co-Coach Dan Perrin has been named as the new Crusaders Assistant Coach - Forwards
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@FakatavaAllBlack said in Crusaders 2023:
☝️As you can all see Chay Fihaki re-signed
He needs a big year.
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As I mentioned a few weeks ago Macca Springer signed for Crusaders to 2025.
Outside back Macca Springer has signed his first Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders for the upcoming 2023 Season. Welcome Macca!
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Brodie McAlister Signs New Crusaders Contract
Crusaders Hooker Brodie McAlister has signed a new contract to 2025.
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@Nogusta said in Crusaders 2023:
I believe Melani Nanai will be a Crusader in 2023.
If true, that's interesting, as they have excess quality outside back options but are in serious need of some proper starch in the midfield, as (apart from Goodhue) they have no midfielders who are strong & effective ball-carriers and can get over the advantage line consistently.
Fainganuku is an option but he's an abysmal defender & has the literal turning ability of a container ship. His weakness are far too exposed at 13. Can't see Isiah Punivai offering strong midfield impact either, while Ennor is even lighter than Havili at just 92 kg.
I wonder if Macca Springer could shuffle into 12 after Havili goes & inevitably chases the Yen? He's a solid, powerful unit at 1.9 and 100kg, similar to the mould of Riley Higgens, and he's currently just 19, so has a fair amount of growing still to come.
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@Asterik6 said in Crusaders 2023:
@Nogusta said in Crusaders 2023:
I believe Melani Nanai will be a Crusader in 2023.
If true, that's interesting, as they have excess quality outside back options but are in serious need of some proper starch in the midfield, as (apart from Goodhue) they have no midfielders who are strong & effective ball-carriers and can get over the advantage line consistently.
Fainganuku is an option but he's an abysmal defender & has the literal turning ability of a container ship. His weakness are far too exposed at 13. Can't see Isiah Punivai offering strong midfield impact either, while Ennor is even lighter than Havili at just 92 kg.
I wonder if Macca Springer could shuffle into 12 after Havili goes & inevitably chases the Yen? He's a solid, powerful unit at 1.9 and 100kg, similar to the mould of Riley Higgens, and he's currently just 19, so has a fair amount of growing still to come.
nah Springer has real pace best suited to the back 3.
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@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. -
@Asterik6 said in Crusaders 2023:
@Nogusta said in Crusaders 2023:
I believe Melani Nanai will be a Crusader in 2023.
If true, that's interesting, as they have excess quality outside back options but are in serious need of some proper starch in the midfield, as (apart from Goodhue) they have no midfielders who are strong & effective ball-carriers and can get over the advantage line consistently.
Fainganuku is an option but he's an abysmal defender & has the literal turning ability of a container ship. His weakness are far too exposed at 13. Can't see Isiah Punivai offering strong midfield impact either, while Ennor is even lighter than Havili at just 92 kg.
I wonder if Macca Springer could shuffle into 12 after Havili goes & inevitably chases the Yen? He's a solid, powerful unit at 1.9 and 100kg, similar to the mould of Riley Higgens, and he's currently just 19, so has a fair amount of growing still to come.
A bit of hyper-bowl in that post.
Our backline of Mo’unga, Bridge, Havili, Fainga’anuku, Reece, Jordan was pretty effective. It got better when Goodhue came back and we went with Mo’unga, Fainga’anuku, Havili, Goodhue, Reece, Jordan.
Let’s not forget that Fainga’anuku just turned 23yo last week, so is still a pup. He’s a talented player plus he’s got the work ethic so I’m not too concerned about him.
With Ennor covering midfield and wing, I think we are looking okay.
As for Nanai, it will be interesting how Razor will use him. He’s a ball playing back so we could see him closer to the action if some of the ABs are being rested during next years super season.
