Chiefs v Crusaders
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<p>I think this is a home game for The Chiefs? Anyhoo it is being playing in Fiji for some reason.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81554065/stephen-donald-starts-with-aaron-cruden-benched-for-chiefs-clash-with-crusaders'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81554065/stephen-donald-starts-with-aaron-cruden-benched-for-chiefs-clash-with-crusaders</a></p>
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<p>Donald starts! I'm so happy!!</p>
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<p><strong>CHIEFS: </strong>Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Seta Tamanivalu, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Stephen Donald, Brad Weber; Tom Sanders, Sam Cane, Taleni Seu, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Hiroshi Yamashita, Hika Elliot, Kane Hames. Reserves<strong>: </strong>Nathan Harris, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Atu Moli, Mitchell Brown, Lachlan Boshier, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Sam McNicol</p> -
<p>With the Crusaders having an advantage in the forwards, I wonder if the heat and humidity will negate that?</p>
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<p>anyone going?</p>
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<p>can't wait to see Beaver destroy them singlehandedly.</p>
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<p>or get broken very early trying!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="592769" data-time="1467165946">
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<p>My mate Brad is.</p>
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<p>Tell Brad I hope he has a great time.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="592783" data-time="1467170728">
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<p>Tell Brad I hope he has a great time.</p>
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<p>Jsut found out he can't make it as he is working! Ha ha! Gutted for him</p> -
<p>good to see kane haimes starting</p>
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<p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmGBE9sWIAAISJE.jpg" alt="CmGBE9sWIAAISJE.jpg"></p>
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<p>Unavailable due to injury: Ryan Crotty, Luke Romano.</p>
<p>If/when they come on, both Jed Brown and Mitchell Hunt will make their debuts.</p> -
<p>what a rubbish forward pack.... </p>
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<p>shit.</p>
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<p>The backs really don't measure up to the forwards, but then they're not playing against much this week.</p>
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<p>Crusaders by 10 (the fuckers always come good after the international break)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="592851" data-time="1467196715"><p>WHat time is it on? Yeah us by 10 is par I reckon, that's a pretty classy looking side.</p></blockquote>
There is a hint in the team graphic above...;)<br><br>
So is Macilai just there ahead of McNichol or did he get missed off the injured list? -
That crusader pack could start a test match without a problem , I'm starting to think it's going to serve them well at the pointy end .
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="592851" data-time="1467196715">
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<p>WHat time is it on? Yeah us by 10 is par I reckon, that's a pretty classy looking side.</p>
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Crusaders by 10 until you factor in the Beaver effect. Chiefs by 1.</p> -
<p>Crusaders don't usually start the season well - or do well in the first game after the extended break.</p>
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<p>Hopefully Toddy has impressed on them the importance of this game, but it won't surprise me if we fuck it up.</p>
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<p>Crusaders have the better forward pack, but Chiefs have the advantage in the backs and off the bench. </p> -
Whilst I'd rather Crotty was available and starting, I do like Havili in the side. The kid has excellent speed and if we get front foot ball he will be our key ball runner. <br><br>
Hearing some good things from the camp with the team looking for a more complete performance from the pack. <br><br>
My main concern is Jone. I think Weber and Donald will look to kick to his side most of the game, not just with the high ball, but to avoid the Nadolo counter but also to force pressure on him to make decisions. That is where his lack of experience has been exposed. <br><br>
Saders by 4
