Crusaders 2025

[Bovidae]

@Chris said in Crusaders 2025:

A lot of Canterbury B and Crusader Academy players in there.

I recognise more names on the bench from age-group rugby than some of the starters.

BTW, do you know who the Crusaders NDC players are? I am assuming Sauira and Inch are two, with maybe Frost and Letiu/Oudenryn.

[Chris]

@Bovidae said in Crusaders 2025:

@Chris said in Crusaders 2025:

A lot of Canterbury B and Crusader Academy players in there.

I recognise more names on the bench from age-group rugby than some of the starters.

BTW, do you know who the Crusaders NDC players are? I am assuming Sauira and Inch are two, with maybe Frost and Letiu/Oudenryn.

yes

M Letiu
E Oudenryn
S Mafi
G Brown
J Frost
H Inch
J Cameron
N Sauira
M Kunawave

young players in the WTG
L Jack
G Reeves
J Lee
T Bell
I Hutchinson

[Fredsaua12]

@Bovidae Kaliova and Kurtis were both standout players for Sumner and Sydenham in the CHCH club comp last season

[Canes4life]

George Bell gone for the season

[Daffy Jaffy]

Crusaders lose George Bell for the season -
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360582501/crusaders-lose-all-blacks-hooker-george-bell-season

[SBW1]

Crusaders rookie earns 'other than Dupont' praise from All Blacks star

It appears the Crusaders have unearthed yet another gem in rookie halfback Kyle Preston who has shone early in his debut season.

[Crazy Horse]

While he has looked handy so far and not out of place at Super level, I have noticed a few things that Preston probably needs to improve before he makes the next step.

He can be weak on defence. He falls off too many tackles for my liking. This was more noticeable against the Reds.

He seems a bit sloppy when under pressure to clear from the base of the ruck or scrum.

He was also a bit slow getting to some rucks yesterday. There were a few times I found myself wondering where he was.

The above are all things that I think Hotham does well. It will be interesting to see how the Saders use them when both are available.

[SBW1]

How is a new ten going?

[Grooter]

@SBW1 Taha had the yip yips off the tee, other than that he's doing alright? upcoming intense Derby games will give me more of an opinion on him

[SBW1]

LF has signed for two years and maybe available for the All Blacks this year possibly even as early as the Rugby Nations Championship.

[booboo]

[SBW1]

Will Sevu be there next year?

[Chris]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:

Will Sevu be there next year?

Yep Reece has signed through to 2026

[SBW1]

'Feels like he belongs': Could this ex-Wallabies star switch allegiance to the All Blacks?

[Crazy Horse]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:

'Feels like he belongs': Could this ex-Wallabies star switch allegiance to the All Blacks?

He's handy for the Crusaders, but I reckon that's his ceiling now. Are we really that desperate at AB level? I think his legs are gone for anything higher.

[Duluth]

@Crazy-Horse said in Crusaders 2025:

He's handy for the Crusaders, but I reckon that's his ceiling now.

Also he's been used in a specific limited role. He's played 9 games and only 1 start (v Moana Pasifika)

[SBW1]

He is having a really good run at the tailend of his career, really like to see him back with the Crusaders next year.

[Chris B.]

"Next in Line". 13 minute documentary on the Crusaders' current first fives - O'Çonnor, Kemara, Reihana and White. Quite an interesting watch.

Slice of life rather than reaching any conclusions.

[Chris]

A side note for Crusaders Fans who are interested the following players are locked and signed for 2026 some beyound 2026.

         W JORDAN,J McNICOL
          S REECE,
          C FIHAKI
          L FAINGA’ANUKU,A TUIVAILALA
          D McLEOD
          R REIHANA
          N HOTHAM,K PRESTON
          C LILO-WILLIE
          D GARDINER,X SAIFOLI
          S BARRETT,A SHALFOON
          J HANNAH ,T CAHILL
    
          S CALDER,F NEWELL G BOWER
          K SYKES-MARTIN,T WILLIAMS
          C TAYLOR,I MOANANU

[Grooter]

@Chris landers might attempt to bring George Bell back home? just an assumption, poor guy has had a horrid time with injuries the last 3 years