Crusaders 2025

[taniwharugby]

@Duluth TBF, wasnt last year Reihanas first super start after not being given much of a chance in the chiefs (read into that what you will) given I think both he and Kemara werent probably set to start too many games last year but for the early injury to Burke.

I think Kemara would be ranked behind Reihana, which highlights the issues the Crusaders have at 10.

He has the skills to be a starting super 10, and I thought his defence had improved massively during last years NPC, and certainly seems a confidence player, of which he was low when he got to NPC, hopefully that wasnt due to the Crusader environment.

[antipodean]

@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders 2025:

@SBW1 Crusaders should be better than last year but not sure they are good enough to win the title - I simply don't believe Penney is a good enough coach for that.

He would be the coaching Lazarus if he managed that.

[Duluth]

@taniwharugby said in Crusaders 2025:

He has the skills to be a starting super 10, and I thought his defence had improved massively during last years NPC, and certainly seems a confidence player, of which he was low when he got to NPC, hopefully that wasnt due to the Crusader environment.

I wonder how he would go at fullback and as a second playmaker? I'm not sure he handles the responsibility of being the general that well. He played 15 a bit early in his career.

[taniwharugby]

@Duluth which was where his defence was exposed massively early on, I dont expect the Crusaders or Northland are likely to push him back there any time soon though.

I think if he had a stronger 9 inside it would help him.

[SBW1]

If Penney falters again what is the contingency plan?

[Canes4life]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:

If Penney falters again what is the contingency plan?

The HAMMER.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360544215/hooker-codie-taylor-frontrunner-replace-scott-barrett-crusaders-captain

[george33]

Crusaders captain,?, Blackadder

[Nepia]

@george33 said in Crusaders 2025:

Crusaders captain,?, Blackadder

He'll be the equivalent of Andy Dalton in the 1987 RWC.

[Tim]

The next captain of the Crusaders could provide a first for the most successful franchise in Super Rugby, with David Havili expected to be confirmed as the side’s new skipper.

Super Rugby, Sport, Rugby

Revealed: Crusaders to announce new captain

Scott Barrett's replacement will be announced on Wednesday.

[Frank]

From the article -

"The hard-running inside back....."

[tubbyj]

Well despite Justin Marshall trying to talk up their chances little hope of the Crusaders winning the title with a captain whose form last season was not good enough to make the matchday starting lineup. Rob Penney is another Blackadder level disaster as coach but with a poorer winning record.

[Darren]

I would have replaced him mid season last year, or at the end of the year at least.

[MN5]

Next step All Black Captaincy

[SBW1]

I thought Codie Taylor was being named as captain.

[taniwharugby]

Confirmed Havili is the man.

[KiwiMurph]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:

I thought Codie Taylor was being named as captain.

As an AB fan I'm pleased he isn't. We don't need Taylor ran into the ground anymore than he has been the past five or so years (not withstanding his sabbatical at the start of last season).

[george33]

@MN5 he's in the mix

[darylmitchell]

Havili is the AB's greatest second-five since Mauger, a well deserved appointment this is.

[Dan54]

I think Havili will be a quite good captain I think, has the experience, seems that he knows the game well etc. Think he will have respect of team mates etc.