Crusaders v Blues

Chris B.

@ACT-Crusader No surprise really that he'd start Hall against the Blues and hope for a "point to prove" game from him.

Overall I've thought Hall's looked a bit better than Drummond - though he's had more time, so far.

Long term I really like Enari, but the game he came on he threw pretty much every pass at the receiver's feet. That he even got on the field seems to bode ill for Fukofuka - though I've never seen anything from him to suggest he's the answer.

SammyC

I was pretty impressed with hall in the brumbies game (he started that one). He gets to the rucks quicker than Drummond and takes better options I reckon.

Anyway, no secrets as to how we should win this one. Destroy the blues tight five.

Chris B.

@SammyC Hall's got a bit more speed in his legs and more running game than Drummond, which is handy.

Yep - starve the Blues of set piece ball and hopefully smother their backs. First game of last year was the blue print.

KiwiMurph

I'm hopeful Francis will give the Blues a better chance - he can defend, he takes the line on, is more physical and doesnt sit in the pocket and his general kicking game is a bit more consistent than West, he also has a combo with Pulu from Counties. Don't think it will be enough but I think he'll direct the Blues around better than West last week, which isn't saying much.

Stargazer

Robertson's reason for starting Hall was his performance against the Reds, including scoring two tries.
He said that in one of the interviews published this week.

Chris B.

Late news, Goodhue is out. Wainui in.

Bloody hell - we were looking green in the backs - now we're looking raw! Blues should be smelling blood in the water.

Tim

Havili (?) very lucky to stay on the field after that challenge on Duffie in the air.

mariner4life

Sick try

Tim

Fuck yes.

Bones

@Tim said in Crusaders v Blues:

Havili (?) very lucky to stay on the field after that challenge on Duffie in the air.

Hahaha nope. Ok now i understand why you think TJ is so biased when i can't see why...It's not TJ.

Parsons is not so flash at the offload eh.

mariner4life

Tuipolotu a beast so far

Tim

@Bones Watch it again. He went into contact turned to the side (unsighted) and with his shoulder. Very lucky that Duffie didn't get knocked over. Would have been yellow.

Bones

That was a bit shit. Bridge scrambling along the ground for the ball should have been penalised, ends in a penalty against the blues.

But anyway, can someone point out to me what Johnson is saying that's so biased against the blues? I'm genuinely curious as i can never seem to figure it out.

hydro11

The Blues just need a simple game plan. Keep the ball in hand as much as possible. They look dangerous when they have the ball.

Tim

Tuipulotu. Great to have you back buddy.

Nepia

Nice try by Moala - man it's weird how he looks average sized (height) when he's running near Ioane.

Tim

Simplest ideas are always the best.

taniwharugby

Crusaders getting done in mid-field and out wide.

Tim

Tupou's best game by a mile.

taniwharugby

MIssed the start, did Goodhue pick up an injury before k/o?

The Silver Fern

Crusaders v Blues