@Stargazer we will see where things are at when the Blues come to town in a few weeks.

@booboo yeah but the same old signs are there of a team that wilters when things get tough. They had a massive lead against the Chiefs and blew it and they hardly fired a shot against the Crusaders. For you to say that you expected them to lose is a great reflection of where the mindset around the Blues stands.

The Canes had a shocker first game (no excuses) but turned around and beat the Jaguares who were on a 10 game winning streak at home, they then returned home and got the job done against a red hot Sharks side. The Canes don't all of a sudden go from Semi-Finalists to the scrap heap just because a certain someone decides to defect North. This is still a very good side, with enough talent in my mind to win the whole thing.

We will see in a few weeks time where these two teams are at, but I'm picking the Canes to comfortably put away the Blues at home and make it 10 wins in a row.

@shark lol did J Barrett cost you a multi or something? From where I'm sitting he has been the form 15 in the competition so far alongside DMac and Havili. Excellent under the high ball, physical in contact and can hoof the ball a mile, add to the fact he is nearly 100% off the boot.

Yes, he makes the odd brain explosion, however, I put that down to age more than anything else.

@booboo said in Blues v Crusaders:

I still expect Blues to be third in the NZ conference

A confident statement but I'm not really sure your expectations are realistic. The Chiefs, Crusaders and Canes all look alot stronger than the Blues and all have a proven track record of making the playoffs year in and year out. The Blues look like the same rabble of years gone by, a true reflection of a broken culture.

@Stargazer manage to find any video highlights?

I’ve heard from a close source that the Canes have their eye on Sopoaga for next season. If true, I’m not too sure what to make of it.

@mariner4life aye? Jordie has been outstanding to start the season.

Just had another look at last night’s game, really impressed by our front row, hopefully Armstrong’s injury isn’t serious and Lomax is a massive step up from JTA. Kirifi was outstanding over the ball and Flanders has all the skills in the book to be an excellent no 8 for us in years to come.

In the backs Barrett was an obvious standout, Lam produced a bustling display and it was also good to see Aso take his opportunity at 13. I hope they persist with that combo going forward.

@Bones a good five more than the Phoenix.

The Canes aren't perfect by any stretch but when they gel they are going to put a few teams to the sword, especially now that we've figured out how to scrum. Anyone know what happened to Armstrong? He is really coming into his own at loosehead.

Really pleased with JGB and how he is going about his work. Not doing anything too fancy and is doing a good job at letting the x-factor outside him make most of the big plays.

Anyway, good signs from a team that is still finding their feet after a horror off-season. Bring on the bye.