Page 1 of 5
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:07 am
by Ali's Choice
I'm looking forward to the Crusaders getting back on home soil and putting those crooked hometown match officials behind them. They really were pathetic.
The Blues were really impressive last week against the Chiefs, and the Crusaders are going to have to dig deep after travelling all the way from SA.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:10 am
by Sards
Ref: Marius Jonker
Social media liaison: Marius Jonker.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:38 am
by Wilderbeast
Blues should've beaten the Crusaders in the first round. Imo, they've been the only team to seriously threaten beating the Crusaders when the saders weren't trying to lose the game themselves. Really hoping they front for this.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:43 am
by The Native
Ali's Choice wrote:I'm looking forward to the Crusaders getting back on home soil and putting those crooked hometown match officials behind them. They really were pathetic.
The Blues were really impressive last week against the Chiefs, and the Crusaders are going to have to dig deep after travelling all the way from SA.
The Blues were not impressive at all. They were the less poor of both teams and benefited from some poor officiating.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:55 am
by Ali's Choice
The Native wrote:Ali's Choice wrote:I'm looking forward to the Crusaders getting back on home soil and putting those crooked hometown match officials behind them. They really were pathetic.
The Blues were really impressive last week against the Chiefs, and the Crusaders are going to have to dig deep after travelling all the way from SA.
The Blues were not impressive at all. They were the less poor of both teams and benefited from some poor officiating.
Any win in the NZ conference is hard-fought and commendable. It's such a hard conference. The Crusaders will be fatigued, having flown all the way from Cape Town this week. That means a short week of preparation and plenty of jetlag.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:08 am
by Kiwias
At the top of the must watch matches this round. I'm seriously worried about this one.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:15 am
by Ali's Choice
Are the Blues resting Reiko Ioane?
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:26 am
by comets
Reece v Ioane, now thats a matchup to see if Reece is good enuf for the black jersey
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 10:57 am
by JPNZ
AC for the OP. It’s Sat 25th May. 7.35pm
This match worries me too. Blues on a high, crusaders travel weary and fatigued.
Forecast is clear & dry too
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 1:47 pm
by Auckman
Kiwias wrote:At the top of the must watch matches this round. I'm seriously worried about this one.
oh stop it.
You know your boys will roll over the top of the penalty magnets when they flick the switch.
Our best chance (as always) is to catch the Saders at the beginning of the season. Blues don't have a prayer later in the year.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 2:04 pm
by obelixtim
Ali's Choice wrote:The Native wrote:Ali's Choice wrote:I'm looking forward to the Crusaders getting back on home soil and putting those crooked hometown match officials behind them. They really were pathetic.
The Blues were really impressive last week against the Chiefs, and the Crusaders are going to have to dig deep after travelling all the way from SA.
The Blues were not impressive at all. They were the less poor of both teams and benefited from some poor officiating.
Any win in the NZ conference is hard-fought and commendable. It's such a hard conference. The Crusaders will be fatigued, having flown all the way from Cape Town this week. That means a short week of preparation and plenty of jetlag.
Pathetic line of bullshit excuses.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 9:31 am
by Ali's Choice
Will be interesting to see if all these off-field allegations against the Crusaders impact the team for this game. It cannot be ideal for preparation. I hope these are all just nefarious allegations, I'd be very disappointed if the family-friendly culture of the Crusaders has declined to the extent that they are now causing trouble with members of the public when they are out in socialising as a team.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 9:38 am
by Harden up!!!
Come on blues, someone please prove AC right for once, besides the waratahs.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 9:57 am
by Jensrsa
Referee Mike Fraser
AR1 Brendon Pickerill
AR2 Glen Jackson
TMO Aaron Paterson
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 9:59 am
by swc
Genuinely thinks Blues can nick this....but I say that every week
but I actually do believe it
Carn’ Mighty Blues. Can jag this one we are real chance of finals footy
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 10:07 am
by booji boy
Ali's Choice wrote:Will be interesting to see if all these off-field allegations against the Crusaders impact the team for this game. It cannot be ideal for preparation. I hope these are all just nefarious allegations, I'd be very disappointed if the family-friendly culture of the Crusaders has declined to the extent that they are now causing trouble with members of the public when they are out in socialising as a team.
I believe a one week ban for the entire starting 15 is the only appropriate sanction for the Crusaders shameful actions whilst visiting Cape Town as ambassadors of NZ rugby.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 10:43 am
by Auckman
booji boy wrote:Ali's Choice wrote:Will be interesting to see if all these off-field allegations against the Crusaders impact the team for this game. It cannot be ideal for preparation. I hope these are all just nefarious allegations, I'd be very disappointed if the family-friendly culture of the Crusaders has declined to the extent that they are now causing trouble with members of the public when they are out in socialising as a team.
I believe a one week ban for the entire starting 15 is the only appropriate sanction for the Crusaders shameful actions whilst visiting Cape Town as ambassadors of NZ rugby.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 11:19 pm
by comets
if those 3 or 4 playes get ar est this week, how wil teh backline be?
9. Hall
10. Hunt
11. Ennor
12. Crotty
13. Hoodhue
14. Fa'ainganuku
15. Reece
Ennor and reece can interchange on wings/fullback... with Punivai and cameron on the bench
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 1:23 am
by True Blue
swc wrote:Genuinely thinks Blues can nick this....but I say that every week
but I actually do believe it
Carn’ Mighty Blues. Can jag this one we are real chance of finals footy
Of course the Blues can win it. They're not very good, but they're not Sunwolves useless. The problem is they won't win it because they lack discipline and leadership. Nothing wrong with their skills overall.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 1:39 am
by Harden up!!!
True Blue wrote:swc wrote:Genuinely thinks Blues can nick this....but I say that every week
but I actually do believe it
Carn’ Mighty Blues. Can jag this one we are real chance of finals footy
Of course the Blues can win it. They're not very good, but they're not Sunwolves useless. The problem is they won't win it because they lack discipline and leadership. Nothing wrong with their skills overall.
Trying to coach the blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdbORXEmbnk
They wrack discipline!!!
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 2:39 am
by Wilderbeast
What’s up with Jordan’s injury?
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 2:47 am
by comets
Wilderbeast wrote:What’s up with Jordan’s injury?
out for the season, ankle i think so 2 of their strike weapons, manasa and will gone.. whose next?
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 4:19 am
by JPNZ
comets wrote:Wilderbeast wrote:What’s up with Jordan’s injury?
out for the season, ankle i think so 2 of their strike weapons, manasa and will gone.. whose next?
Robertson said Jordan is out for another 4 weeks, he should be ready come Quarters or Semis
50/50 chance Moody will be back for the Blues game this week too
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 4:18 am
by JPNZ
Blues named
BLUES:
Melani Nanai,
Caleb Clarke,
TJ Faiane,
Ma'a Nonu,
Rieko Ioane,
Harry Plummer,
Jonathan Ruru;
Akira Ioane,
Blake Gibson (co-capt),
Tom Robinson,
Scott Scrafton,
Patrick Tuipulotu (co-capt),
Ofa Tu'ungafasi,
Leni Apisai,
Alex Hodgman.
Reserves: James Parsons, Marcel Renata, Lua Li, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Hoskins Sotutu, Augustine Pulu, Otere Black, Levi Aumua.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 5:03 am
by JPNZ
Crusaders Named:
15. David Havili
14. Sevu Reece
13. Jack Goodhue
12. Ryan Crotty
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Bryn Hall
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Matt Todd
6. Jordan Taufua
5. Sam Whitelock (captain)
4. Scott Barrett
3. Michael Alaalatoa
2. Andrew Makalio
1. Joe Moody
Reserves:
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Isileli Tu'ungafasi
18. George Bower
19. Luke Romano
20. Ethan Blackadder
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitch Hunt
23. Braydon Ennor
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 5:05 am
by JPNZ
Strong teams for both sides, Kieran Read is on AB's enforced rest.
Great to see Moody back, should help the scrum immensely
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 5:46 am
by JPNZ
God damn it Taylor is out for 4 weeks
Don't expect the Crusaders to field their All Blacks front row anytime soon. Overshadowed by the independent investigation hanging over some Crusaders players, hooker Codie Taylor fractured the index finger on his right-hand against the Stormers last weekend. A Crusaders spokeswoman confirmed to Stuff that Taylor was expected to be sidelined for about four weeks, meaning he won't feature again during the Super Rugby regular season. Following games against the Blues (home), Chiefs (away) and Rebels (home), the Crusaders have a bye in the final round of the regular season. They are guaranteed to host a quarterfinal the following week.
That's the earliest Taylor can be expected to return. Whether or not he will line up next to fellow All Blacks Joe Moody and Owen Franks remains to be seen. The three are yet to start together this season, largely due to injuries, but also in part to All Blacks enforced rest weeks. It was hoped Franks, who has been sidelined since injuring his right-shoulder on April 6, would be ready to return against the Chiefs in Suva next weekend. However, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson on Thursday confirmed it might be too soon, meaning he might only get one run - against the Rebels - before the playoffs. All Black loosehead Tim Perry, who busted his arm in round one against the Blues, is also a small chance to return against the Rebels.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 6:13 am
by booji boy
Since the much hoped for ban for their key starters hasn't eventuated I'm picking the Crusaders by 20, or plenty.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 6:21 am
by comets
the matchup we have been waiting for since Reiko/Naholo was won cleanly by Reiko..reiko has the height advantage.....and thats about it...reece has the smartness, the speed, the power..
3 fijians on blues 23 for the first time in like 16 years, 2 on saders.. hmmm
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 6:22 am
by Harden up!!!
comets wrote:the matchup we have been waiting for since Reiko/Naholo was won cleanly by Reiko..reiko has the height advantage.....and thats about it...reece has the smartness, the speed, the power..
the better players inside him.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 1:41 am
by Ali's Choice
It's been a very unsettled week for the Crusaders, given all the hoopla that arose from their post-Stormers evening out in Cape Town. I really hope that they are able to focus on the match, and put in a great performance. The Blues aren't one of the tournament's elite teams yet, but they've been slowly improving throughout the season and if the Crusaders aren't playing at their best then the Blues are good enough to win.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 1:44 am
by Fat Old Git
Looking forward to this. Will be the first game I've been able to watch in real time for a while. Life and other people's priorities keep getting in the way.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 2:36 am
by booji boy
Ali's Choice wrote:It's been a very unsettled week for the Crusaders, given all the hoopla that arose from their post-Stormers evening out in Cape Town. I really hope that they are able to focus on the match, and put in a great performance. The Blues aren't one of the tournament's elite teams yet, but they've been slowly improving throughout the season and if the Crusaders aren't playing at their best then the Blues are good enough to win.
The Blues might stay with the Crusaders for a while and hold on to the ball for prolonged periods but over the course of 80 minutes the Crusaders will be far too composed and they will come away with a comfortable win.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 2:40 am
by Ali's Choice
I'm going to watch Akira Ioane very closely. I will report back to this thread with a thorough review of his performance.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 2:58 am
by JB1981
This is a great chance for the Blues. The distractions for the Crusaders hopefully galvanise them but for Bridge and Mo'unga in particular, there's a risk of them trying too hard or not being in the right headspace (look at Aaron Smith's return from the Snecky step). The Blues have been close before and I'm hoping the Crusaders put in a performance worthy of a discussion about the rugby.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 3:00 am
by JB1981
Ali's Choice wrote:I'm going to watch Akira Ioane very closely. I will report back to this thread with a thorough review of his performance.
We need an amateur boxing style score count tracking the number of rucks hit.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 3:07 am
by booji boy
JB1981 wrote:This is a great chance for the Blues. The distractions for the Crusaders hopefully galvanise them but for Bridge and Mo'unga in particular, there's a risk of them trying too hard or not being in the right headspace (look at Aaron Smith's return from the Snecky step). The Blues have been close before and I'm hoping the Crusaders put in a performance worthy of a discussion about the rugby.
I don't think you can compare Bridge and Moungas antics with Smith's shenanigans.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 3:13 am
by JB1981
booji boy wrote:JB1981 wrote:This is a great chance for the Blues. The distractions for the Crusaders hopefully galvanise them but for Bridge and Mo'unga in particular, there's a risk of them trying too hard or not being in the right headspace (look at Aaron Smith's return from the Snecky step). The Blues have been close before and I'm hoping the Crusaders put in a performance worthy of a discussion about the rugby.
I don't think you can compare Bridge and Moungas antics with Smith's shenanigans.
I was thinking of the attention, not what they did. Although, on second thought that's fair, while there has been the public/media attention, neither Bridge or Mo'unga will have faced the grilling at home Smith will have gone through.
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Chch Sat 25th May 19:3
Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 3:17 am
by Fat Old Git
That's fair though as at this stage there is almost zero evidence of any actual wrong doing.
