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by Ali's Choice
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:01 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Crusaders 2024 Thread
Replies: 747
Views: 67973

Re: The Crusaders 2024 Thread

Tbh, I'm comfortable with a poor performing season this year. We've lost so many great players, and then had another terrible injury toll. Eventually this will catch up on our performance.
by Ali's Choice
Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:07 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Hurricanes Match Thread
Replies: 201
Views: 2560

Re: Crusaders vs Hurricanes Match Thread

Ioane Moananu, (Age 23) Finlay Brewis, (Aged 24) Owen Franks, (Aged 36) Jamie Hannah, (Aged 21) Tahlor Cahill (Aged 20) Pretty much all we have left. Literally the only fit forwards we have who aren't included in this squad are Christian Lio-Willie and Corey Kellow. Tbh, I'm kind of over permanentl...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

For decades now, the AB's have had almost a production line of world class #10s. Fox, Mehrtens, Spencer, Carter, Barrett Of the current Crop at Super Rugby Level, we have Cameron, Perofeta, D-Mac, MIllar, Faleafaga, Godfrey, Love, Morgan, and a few others. A lot of great players, but not a Carter a...
by Ali's Choice
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:15 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

For decades now, the AB's have had almost a production line of world class #10s. Fox, Mehrtens, Spencer, Carter, Barrett Of the current Crop at Super Rugby Level, we have Cameron, Perofeta, D-Mac, MIllar, Faleafaga, Godfrey, Love, Morgan, and a few others. A lot of great players, but not a Carter a...
by Ali's Choice
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 6-2 split
Replies: 55
Views: 1610

Re: 6-2 split

I think the 6 - 2 split suited the big old Boks. The red card helped too. Blues don't need a 6 - 2 split. Yep, not at SR level. It's not like the Hurricanes have a England 2003-esque pack that have historically been utterly dominant up front. The Canes have a decent pack, but I think the Blues eith...
by Ali's Choice
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:22 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 6-2 split
Replies: 55
Views: 1610

6-2 split

Not sure why coaches continue to take such a huge risk by opting for a 6-2 bench split? It cost the Blues the match yesterday, they had a halfback playing on the wing for three quarters of the game. I know the Springboks won the last RWC with a 6-2 split, but I don't actually think it in itself was ...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:02 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

I reckon Brett Cameron looks like an All Black no.10 (or no.22) this season. He's looking confident and playing very well. He seems to have lots of time, which is the hallmark of a good 10.
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:49 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Drua Match Thread
Replies: 40
Views: 799

Re: Crusaders vs Drua Match Thread

Dear Lord the Crusaders are cursed in Fiji :lol: :lol: :lol: Serious question- have they ever won in Fiji? I remember them losing to the chiefs over there before the Drua We beat the Chiefs once from memory. I think they conceded cards and were decimated by injury and we limped across the line for ...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:38 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Drua Match Thread
Replies: 40
Views: 799

Re: Crusaders vs Drua Match Thread

Really frustrating but not an unexpected performance. Three years in a row we've flown to Fiji in early March to play in the afternoon and had our arses handed to us. Our lineout woes in the first half in particular were diabolical. We fluffed three attacking lineouts in the first half against a tea...
by Ali's Choice
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Athletic Women Appreciation Thread
Replies: 166
Views: 22332

Re: The Athletic Women Appreciation Thread

Vladislava Galagan

Image
by Ali's Choice
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:26 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

The Victorian government gives them money. That’s what it’s all about. Get rid of it. I think the concept is great, one weekend when all teams play at the same venue. It's a great opportunity to create a festival of Super Rugby. But Melbourne simply hasn't worked. I've thought of what an alternativ...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

The Crusaders were the worst of the NZ teams over the weekend. Our error rate was appalling, and our passing lacked cohesion, the ball being passed high, low or behind the target more often than not. Our lineout was sub par and overall we lacked cohesion, particularly in attack. Our two baby halves...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:22 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Crusaders 2024 Thread
Replies: 747
Views: 67973

Re: The Crusaders 2024 Thread

You think Carter might have a trot ? I follow him on social media and he still looks pretty fit. He would have embarrassed that donkey that fronted last Saturday bro . I feel a bit sorry for Kemara, tbh. He look over-awed and under-prepared. As our 3rd choice playmaker, he would have had limited ti...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Crusaders 2024 Thread
Replies: 747
Views: 67973

Re: The Crusaders 2024 Thread

Eugenius wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:08 am You think Carter might have a trot ?
I follow him on social media and he still looks pretty fit.
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:57 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Crusaders 2024 Thread
Replies: 747
Views: 67973

Re: The Crusaders 2024 Thread

Jonny McNicoll returning to the Saders for the rest of the season… Good signing given the options available. Pretty difficult to sign an internationally capped outside back mid season. The question is now where does he fit in? Can cover the back three positions and also makes a decent no.23. Our wi...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:37 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Crusaders 2024 Thread
Replies: 747
Views: 67973

Re: The Crusaders 2024 Thread

trapper wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:32 am Jonny McNicoll returning to the Saders for the rest of the season…
I guess we can no longer refer to him as FAB now that he's Welsh capped? That's a shame, always infuriated the North Island nothing-posters.
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:49 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

Well official figures are in, 10,582 for Friday night, 11,231 on Saturday night. RA would have to be pretty happy with that. Could someone tell me why they host super round in Melbourne? I like the idea of it, but looking at those crowd numbers I wonder if other locations like Brisbane or Syndey wo...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:55 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

I think Kemara deserves another start with Drummond at 9 and Havili at 12. Experience inside and out. Trying to start both Hotham and Kemara in the same game at this stage of their careers was an error from Penny in hindsight. If he continues to struggle then I'd move Havili as a stopgap until Reih...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:37 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

I think Kemara deserves another start with Drummond at 9 and Havili at 12. Experience inside and out. Trying to start both Hotham and Kemara in the same game at this stage of their careers was an error from Penny in hindsight. If he continues to struggle then I'd move Havili as a stopgap until Reih...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:29 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: All Blacks 3 Rugby World Cups From 10 Attempts. Chokers Or Underachievers? Time To Play Like The Boks?
Replies: 21
Views: 547

Re: All Blacks 3 Rugby World Cups From 10 Attempts. Chokers Or Underachievers? Time To Play Like The Boks?

I always felt that the Rugby World Cup was too young a tournament to draw too many conclusions from history, and indeed a lot of those records have fallen in the last few world cups i.e no one ever winning back to back, no one who's ever lost a game winning one etc. But now that 37 years have elaps...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:19 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

Would you really have Havili at 10? A few errors you reckon? Charge down for a Tahs try. Threw an interception for another Tahs try. Then he grassed a pass 7m out from the Tah goal line, leading to a third Tahs try. He used to be Mr consistent but it's been a while since he's been at that level. At...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:30 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

The Crusaders were the worst of the NZ teams over the weekend. Our error rate was appalling, and our passing lacked cohesion, the ball being passed high, low or behind the target more often than not. Our lineout was sub par and overall we lacked cohesion, particularly in attack. Our two baby halves ...
by Ali's Choice
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:21 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

McLutchie is the new Charlie Ngatai.

The less Rugby he plays, the more his reputation grows.
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 02, 2024 3:00 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024
Replies: 154
Views: 9664

Re: Super Rugby 2024

I just searched Sydney morning herald, roar, NZ herald and stuff here in NZ and I couldn’t find any word on today’s crowd at AAMI. Tried to look on the age. First 20 sport results and rugby isint a single headline anywhere so I gave up. Press has given up on this event. RA have to have some blame h...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 02, 2024 2:57 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

Thanks for starting the match thread mr b. I would have done so earlier in the week but have been crazy busy. Have enjoyed been in Melbourne for the last few days, and last night was a good night at the Rugby. Probably the best crowd I've seen at Super Round, despite the top tier of the Western sid...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:24 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread
Replies: 122
Views: 6713

Re: Crusaders vs Waratahs Match Thread

Thanks for starting the match thread mr b. I would have done so earlier in the week but have been crazy busy. Have enjoyed been in Melbourne for the last few days, and last night was a good night at the Rugby. Probably the best crowd I've seen at Super Round, despite the top tier of the Western side...
by Ali's Choice
Sun Feb 25, 2024 9:41 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Soup 2024, Reds v Waratahs
Replies: 113
Views: 1703

Re: Soup 2024, Reds v Waratahs

Pleased to discover that STAN's mini games are perfect for watching games that I'm interested in, but not enough to watch lie or a full replay. They are between 20-22 mins long, which is long enough to show all the key play, but non of the boring stuff. I enjoyed watching the mini of this game. I th...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:20 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

usermame wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:16 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:26 am in-front of their feral supporters
They swing a mean cowbell all right.
Their shameful and unprecedented behaviour during the presentation after last year's SR final warrants the term feral. They're the world's worst Rugby fans.
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 4:11 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

So long SA teams, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Nek minute.... Strange comment. At least all SR games are now played at times that Australians can watch. The problem is that they are being televised on an obscure streaming service that no-one has or wants. Using your correlation argume...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 4:01 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

RA really needs to look at its funding model. The Rebels going broke reflects terribly on the governing body. Unless there has been fraud, it's pretty clear that the funding model is insufficient to successfully and sustainably run a SR franchise. The elephant in the room is that not enough people ...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:57 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

So long SA teams, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Nek minute.... Strange comment. At least all SR games are now played at times that Australians can watch. The problem is that they are being televised on an obscure streaming service that no-one has or wants. Using your correlation argume...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:47 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

RA really needs to look at its funding model. The Rebels going broke reflects terribly on the governing body. Unless there has been fraud, it's pretty clear that the funding model is insufficient to successfully and sustainably run a SR franchise. The elephant in the room is that not enough people w...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:14 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

Surely a team cannot be dumped mid-season. Even Rugby Australia couldn't stoop that low? Meanwhile our main competition, the cashed up NRL, is investing tens of millions in Australian commercial property and looking to buy the UK's Super League just because it can afford to do so. How the fudge can...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

If Reihana came through the CHCH schools system and Canterbury's junior pathways he'd probably be the new Carter by now. I thought he looked more promising in one game than Burke did after multiple seasons of chances. No argument from me. Burke has been shit so far at SR level. In saying that, play...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:01 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?
Replies: 666
Views: 26941

Re: Melbourne Rebels goooooooone… soon to be Rebels Pasifika?

Will the Rebels even survive the season? Last night was not encouraging. Surely a team cannot be dumped mid-season. Even Rugby Australia couldn't stoop that low? Meanwhile our main competition, the cashed up NRL, is investing tens of millions in Australian commercial property and looking to buy the...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:58 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

To be miserable one would have had to be happy to begin with. Saders fans have had more than enough success for a lifetime. The entitled behaviour of their fans are the worst in the comp, even last year there was a similar tone of doom and gloom. U guys are pathetic, can't even give the winning sid...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:49 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

Tbh, the score line was closer than I expected. Playing the team we beat in the final, at their home ground, in-front of their feral supporters was always going to be a huge challenge. Given at one stage in the 1st half it looked like the Chiefs would score 50+ points, I'm happy enough with the end...
by Ali's Choice
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:26 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

Tbh, the score line was closer than I expected. Playing the team we beat in the final, at their home ground, in-front of their feral supporters was always going to be a huge challenge. Given at one stage in the 1st half it looked like the Chiefs would score 50+ points, I'm happy enough with the end ...
by Ali's Choice
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:14 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

Am I right in saying that the Crusaders have five All Black capped props in our squad?
by Ali's Choice
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:13 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders
Replies: 187
Views: 4817

Re: Super Rugby 2024 - Rd 1. Chiefs Vs Crusaders

trapper wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:01 am What has happened to Josh Lord, is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the Chiefs 23?
I really like the cut of his gib and was thinking he was a long term AB. I
Anyone know?
Injured.