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Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 2:18 am
by Eugenius
Big and scary those Chiefs ...
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 2:31 am
by Anonymous 1
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 9:19 pm
Who will be routed? The Chiefs or the Crusaders? The Crusaders are the reigning champions and are at home. But the Chiefs were the form team of the regular season.
You say this so often its a bit disturbing
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 3:01 am
by JPNZ
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 3:04 am
by booji boy
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 6:16 am
by kiwigreg369
Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 1:39 am
kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 10:17 pm
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 9:43 pm
kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 9:40 pm
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 9:19 pm
Who will be routed? The Chiefs or the Crusaders? The Crusaders are the reigning champions and are at home. But the Chiefs were the form team of the regular season.
Chiefs were not the form team of the regular season. That honour goes to the table topping Saders - they won more games.
The Saders started off very well, but stumbled badly after round four and looked poor after that.
I agree - especially where compared to prior Saders teams and levels of performance.
I just hope we don't disgrace the Crusaders legacy and avoid being white-washed by the rampant Chiefs.
The only white washing that happens at the Saders is recruitment/development..... get on message.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
by Ali's Choice
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
15. Will Jordan
14. Sevu Reece
13. Brayden Ennor
12. David Havili
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Bryn Hall
8. Cullen Grace
7. Tom Sanders
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Mike Ala'alatoa
2. Codie Taylor
1. George Bower
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Oli Jager
18. Tamaiti Williams
19. Mitchell Dunshea
20. Sione Havili
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Dallas McLeod
23. Leicester Fainga'anuku
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 11:10 am
by Kiwias
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
15. Will Jordan
14. Sevu Reece
13. Brayden Ennor
12. David Havili
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Bryn Hall
8. Cullen Grace
7. Tom Sanders
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Mike Ala'alatoa
2. Codie Taylor
1. George Bower
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Oli Jager
18. Tamaiti Williams
19. Mitchell Dunshea
20. Sione Havili
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Dallas McLeod
23. Leicester Fainga'anuku
My only query regards Ennor and whether it is not too soon to drop him into the starting slot. If he is selected, he will make a fool of my by scoring a brace and setting up the wings for a couple as well.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 11:16 am
by Ali's Choice
My thinking on Ennor is this; if it was Richie McCaw or Sam Whitelock they would come straight back into the team without any club minutes. McCaw did this many times in his career after injury layoffs.
Ennor has been training at full capacity for weeks. He's also participated in two club games and done everything asked of him. IMO, he's too classy not to include in the XXIII, and given his injury risk he's better off starting. That way if he breaks down he can be replaced. If he comes off the bench we risk him breaking down and finishing the match with one player down or with someone out of position.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 11:40 am
by trapper
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:10 am
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
My only query regards Ennor and whether it is not too soon to drop him into the starting slot. If he is selected, he will make a fool of my by scoring a brace and setting up the wings for a couple as well.
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against
the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
Really? Don’t see it myself.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 12:11 pm
by kiwigreg369
trapper wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:40 am
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:10 am
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
My only query regards Ennor and whether it is not too soon to drop him into the starting slot. If he is selected, he will make a fool of my by scoring a brace and setting up the wings for a couple as well.
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against
the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
Really? Don’t see it myself.
Nor me - and I was looking.
Really good looking team - I think Bryn Hall deserves an All Black squad place and opportunity.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 12:15 pm
by UncleFB
trapper wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:40 am
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:10 am
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
My only query regards Ennor and whether it is not too soon to drop him into the starting slot. If he is selected, he will make a fool of my by scoring a brace and setting up the wings for a couple as well.
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against
the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
Really? Don’t see it myself.
Guy's got a touch of the AC's, trying to hyperbolically play down the strengths of easily the best team in the comp.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:48 pm
by JPNZ
trapper wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:40 am
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against
the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
Really? Don’t see it myself.
Isin't Tupaea out as well? So ALB/Nankivell or Wainui?
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 9:57 pm
by Enzedder
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:10 am
Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:08 am
The team I'd like to see selected tomorrow for the Crusaders;
My only query regards Ennor and whether it is not too soon to drop him into the starting slot. If he is selected, he will make a fool of my by scoring a brace and setting up the wings for a couple as well.
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against
the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
Tupaea is out injured - play Ennor, or even Mauger, you'll still shit in
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 10:34 pm
by Ali's Choice
guy smiley wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 11:18 am
Ennor's good...
but good enough to select for a Final against the best midfield in the comp after a year out apart from a couple of dashes in club rugby?
Madness. Faingaanuku has done enough there to deserve his chance AND Havili has at least had a couple of games with him in there... I mean sure, play Ennor. Let Havili the midfield rookie and stop gap contend with a fresh player he hasn't combined with in a big game.
FML.
I wouldn't be too fussed if Robertson didn't pick Ennor. I just think that Brayden has done enough to warrant selection, and given he is still a slight injury risk it would be smarter to start him than play him off the bench. SR Aotearoa is a short, 8 game season (9 if you include this week's final) and given this fact I think too games of club Rugby is enough to get a player back up to speed. In comparison, he's played more Rugby than Richie Mo'unga did prior to our round match in this comp.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 12:44 am
by mrbrownstone
I wouldn't complain if Ennor does start, but I also think it would be harsh on Faiinga'anuku, who has arguably been the find of the tournament.
Personally, I expect Razor will do the same as when Bridge returned from injury and "ease" (if there's such a thing in a final) him back in off the bench.
Great conundrum to have after our midfield troubles this year.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:50 am
by JPNZ
The reigning champions have named their side for the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final this Saturday:
15. Will Jordan
14. Sevu Reece
13. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. David Havili
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo’unga
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Cullen Grace
7. Sione Havili Talitui
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Michael Alaalatoa
2. Codie Taylor
1. George Bower.
Reserves:
16. Brodie McAlsiter
17. Tamati Williams
18. Oli Jager
19. Mitch Dunshea
20. Tom Sanders
21. Bryn Hall
22. Dallas McLeod
23. Braydon Ennor
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:51 am
by JPNZ
Interesting Havili Talitui to start and Ennor on the bench. Rewarding close to the same starting lineup as against the Blues.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:52 am
by Shrekles
No surprises in that team at all. Should be good enough to get the job done though.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:55 am
by booji boy
Good to see Ennor on the bench.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:04 am
by mrbrownstone
Nothing too surprising there. I would have preferred Sanders starting over Havili, but so be it.
Interesting that McLeod and Ennor have both been named on the bench. Ostensibly, two midfielders. Does that suggest Ennor may come back on the wing, where he has had plenty of past success?
I suppose there is always the option to move Fainga'anuku to the wing or shuffle Havili to fullback etc.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:07 am
by Kiwias
I too would have preferred Sanders over Havili Talitui but at least he is on the bench so will play a part. Ennor on the bench makes sense.
It looks like a strong team, only two days now!!
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:15 am
by mrbrownstone
That is a strong team overall. Without provoking the mocker gods, we are favourites going into this game and rightly so. Our finals record at home dictates that.
At the same time, this is the least confident I have been since the 2017 final against the Lions. In 2018 and 2019, the Lions and Jaguares were never going to come to Christchurch and win. I might have given them a 2% chance going into those games if I was being generous, and the scorelines reflected that with neither game being particularly close.
Going into this one, the Chiefs are absolutely a chance. I'm expecting the game to be in the balance heading into the last 10 minutes.
This Crusaders team has far more exploitable weaknesses than the 2017-20 vintage. At times we've had to rely more on backline brilliance than sustained forward dominance, which is risky. I feel like a few cracks have been papered over.
If our breakdown misfires again - and it's every chance against two of the best pilferers in NZ in Boshier and Jacobson - we will struggle.
I am also worried about the scrum battle. The Chiefs scrum has been statistically the best in the competition, and ours hasn't been quite as dominant this year, especially without Moody.
If we can't win the scrum and breakdown battle, it will be very hard to lay the platform needed to win a final.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:02 am
by Kiwias
Didn't someone say that Boshier was not available?
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:29 am
by Dan54.
Can't see anything but a Crusaders win, they got about 10 ABs in the 23, not sure how many Chiefs will be able to put up against them.
We won't ask how they can keep them all under salary cap though. Suppose it helps to have an ex player as CEO of NZR.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:32 am
by JPNZ
Kiwias wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 4:02 am
Didn't someone say that Boshier was not available?
Kaylum Boshier is out for the season, Lachlan is avaliable afaik
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:35 am
by Kiwias
JPNZ wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 4:32 am
Kiwias wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 4:02 am
Didn't someone say that Boshier was not available?
Kaylum Boshier is out for the season, Lachlan is avaliable afaik
Wrong Boshier.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:43 am
by kiwigreg369
Good team / good squad.
Hope they have an off day in the finals - statistically due one I think.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:33 am
by JPNZ
Gallagher Chiefs:
1. Aidan Ross (42)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (43)
3. Angus Ta’avao (42)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (13)
5. Mitchell Brown (52)
6. Pita Gus Sowakula (33)
7. Lachlan Boshier (58)
8. Luke Jacobson (31)
9. Brad Weber (92)
10. Bryn Gatland (5)
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo (20)
12. Alex Nankivell (37)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (88)
14. Jonah Lowe (5)
15. Damian McKenzie (91)
Reserves:
16. Bradley Slater (21)
17. Ollie Norris (11)
18. Sione Mafileo (5)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (19)
20. Zane Kapeli (1)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (45)
22. Rameka Poihipi (2)
23. Chase Tiatia (5)
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:34 am
by Enzedder
No bench - 20 point blowout in the last 20 minutes
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:37 am
by kiwigreg369
Best choice with what available. Light in the backs.
They’ll arrive as the good guys facing the evil empire - Supreme Leader Scott, Darth Mounga, ScoBa Hux, Cody Fett...
Some days the good guys win.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:42 am
by deverix
kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 5:37 am
AT A GLANCE
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Jonah Lowe, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Bryn Gatland, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Lachlan Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula, Mitchell Brown, Tupou Vaa’i, Angus Ta’avao, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Sione Mafileo, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Zane Kapeli, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Chase Tiatia.
Absolutely stacked forward pack at McMillan's disposable there, eh Greg.
And the luxury of Sione Mafileo, Naitoa Ah Kuoi & Togan international Zane Kapeli on the bench Jesus.. I'm concerned how Crusaders will handle the sheer magnitude of outstanding talent and dynamism that's heading their way on Saturday night.
Fair to say that Razor & his severely impoverished Crusaders pack having to make do with supremely average journeymen (such as Sione Havili, George Bower, Brodie McAlister etc..) are the fierce underdogs heading into this one.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:56 am
by kiwigreg369
I like Brodie MCA - looks promising.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
by mrbrownstone
Hmm. What is the thinking behind Brown to lock and Ah Kuoi to the bench, I wonder.
I thought Ah Kuoi had been very good at lock.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
by mrbrownstone
If he can lead them to a title at 10, does Gatland's name enter the All Blacks selection mix?
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 6:29 am
by kiwigreg369
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
Hmm. What is the thinking behind Brown to lock and Ah Kuoi to the bench, I wonder.
I thought Ah Kuoi had been very good at lock.
Been out with concussion for 2-3 weeks. Just back.
Brown is 6/5 - so puts pressure on Saders in general play - and hopefully no line outs.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 6:30 am
by kiwigreg369
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
If he can lead them to a title at 10, does Gatland's name enter the All Blacks selection mix?
Warrens got more chance.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:01 am
by mrbrownstone
kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:29 am
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
Hmm. What is the thinking behind Brown to lock and Ah Kuoi to the bench, I wonder.
I thought Ah Kuoi had been very good at lock.
Been out with concussion for 2-3 weeks. Just back.
Brown is 6/5 - so puts pressure on Saders in general play - and hopefully no line outs.
Fair enough, it's a strong line up either way.
It also means an extra loose forward essentially, no doubt to go hard at the Crusaders breakdown.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:08 am
by kiwigreg369
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 7:01 am
kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:29 am
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
Hmm. What is the thinking behind Brown to lock and Ah Kuoi to the bench, I wonder.
I thought Ah Kuoi had been very good at lock.
Been out with concussion for 2-3 weeks. Just back.
Brown is 6/5 - so puts pressure on Saders in general play - and hopefully no line outs.
Fair enough, it's a strong line up either way.
It also means an extra loose forward essentially, no doubt to go hard at the Crusaders breakdown.
That seems to be the play. Fast game - avoid line outs / win the ball at contact. Got be execute perfectly.
Highlanders from ~4 weeks back.
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 8:05 am
by les@mooloolaba
JPNZ wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 5:33 am
Gallagher Chiefs:
1. Aidan Ross (42)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (43)
3. Angus Ta’avao (42)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (13)
5. Mitchell Brown (52)
6. Pita Gus Sowakula (33)
7. Lachlan Boshier (58)
8. Luke Jacobson (31)
9. Brad Weber (92)
10. Bryn Gatland (5)
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo (20)
12. Alex Nankivell (37)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (88)
14. Jonah Lowe (5)
15. Damian McKenzie (91)
Reserves:
16. Bradley Slater (21)
17. Ollie Norris (11)
18. Sione Mafileo (5)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (19)
20. Zane Kapeli (1)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (45)
22. Rameka Poihipi (2)
23. Chase Tiatia (5)
Pretty good forward pack and forward bench. Backs look OK, just concerned about Gatland & TTT on the bench. They have every chance and are the equal of the Saders
Re: SR Aotearoa Final: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sat 8th May
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 9:58 am
by les@mooloolaba
mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 6:10 am
If he can lead them to a title at 10, does Gatland's name enter the All Blacks selection mix?
You obviously are suffering from an elevated temperature.