Crusaders vs B&I Lions
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That's a pretty impressive Lions 23 there and on paper stronger in several places. 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, most of the bench.
However it doesnt have a lot of combinations and timing yet so not as string as it looks.
It will be the toughest pack the saders have faced this year and so the backs wont have the full armchair ride they have been enjoying ... armchair lite maybe.
I'd certainly feel happier with Read or Douglas as an addition in the mix.
Havilli at 12 is a clear move to stop Teo getting any momentum in my view, he has one job and that is to stop teo giving the lions any go-forward.
Cant wait. -
This is kind of weird , am supporting the nz sides ,
but kind of willing the lions on a bit here as well , not so sure I want them going into that first test like a train wreck
I believe the maoris will win next week so a loss here could be dire
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@kiwiinmelb I was saying the same thing to mates last night. For the sake of the Lions tour, the Crusaders should take one for the team.
Either way, I expect some fireworks tonight.
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Lions need to start scoring some points!
2 tries in 2 games, sure they are still finding thier combos, but 2 tries in 160 minutes is a bit of a worry.
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@kiwiinmelb said in Crusaders vs B&I Lions:
I believe the maoris will win next week so a loss here could be dire
On paper I'm not sure the Maori are a better team, once continuity is factored I'm sure of it.
I'm interested to hear from Crusaders fans though - would a loss today end the winning streak in your mind?
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@rotated Yeah - Crusader's continuity makes them significantly more likely than the Maori to win, in my eyes. Plus the Lions should be getting better with every game (assuming the wheels don't fall off). Betfair, at least, agrees with us.
Our winning streak will surely end if we lose - but, not our Super rugby winning streak. To finesse the point you're getting at. If we were to lose to the Lions but win the rest of our Super games, I'd talk about a record (Super) winning streak, but not an unbeaten season.
Edit: actually I probably would talk about an unbeaten Super season.
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@rotated said in Crusaders vs B&I Lions:
@kiwiinmelb said in Crusaders vs B&I Lions:
I believe the maoris will win next week so a loss here could be dire
On paper I'm not sure the Maori are a better team, once continuity is factored I'm sure of it.
I'm interested to hear from Crusaders fans though - would a loss today end the winning streak in your mind?
Maori sides traditionally play with a lot of pride and determination against touring sides .
I'm factoring that into the equation ,pride in the jumper , I think they will be ready to run through brick walls and the lions could have one eye on the following week. -
@kiwiinmelb Maori spirit will be worth a lot, but I they are not strong at lock and very reliant on May at TH. If they can get 45% possession the Lions will be in for a hard night.
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was a decent Haka, was that Vunipola that didnt seem impressed haha
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Great turnover, but Crusaders living offside
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nice Taufua, didnt thnk the ref was gonna give it
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When the tackle turns into a maul like that it is reffed completely differently. As soon as the ref calls "maul" the defending team does everything they can to collapse it and that's totally fine.
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@No-Quarter said in Crusaders vs B&I Lions:
When the tackle turns into a maul like that it is reffed completely differently. As soon as the ref calls "maul" the defending team does everything they can to collapse it and that's totally fine.
Apparently it's not dangerous then...
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huge chance blown there
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Looks slippery out there
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pinball
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@MiketheSnow said in Crusaders vs B&I Lions:
Great turnover, but Crusaders living offside
Keep an eye on Franks. He basically lives in the opposition backline while on D.
