Crusaders v Highlanders
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That looks pretty close to the strongest team the Crusaders can name - probably switching Taufua with HBC and maybe Samu. I'm guessing now that Pete Samu is reverting to his Australian roots, his development at the Crusaders will grind to a halt - unless he's clearly the best option available. Give the play-off minutes to someone who is staying next year.
Be interesting to see whether they pick Wyatt or Tim Perry for the play-off games. At times Wyatt's looked like he's just hanging on this year, but he's certainly done a great job while the others have been regularly injured.
I'm a bit surprised they've got Codie Taylor on the bench for this game - I think he still has to miss a game - though if he doesn't take the field can that count?
Strange ahead of Romano is the other interesting call.
Big call in the backs is to leave Dagg out of the 23. I think it's really a straightforward call - Dagg hasn't played close to the level of Bridge, Mataele or Havili yet, so form trumping experience.
If we can wrap up the "Minor Premiership" this weekend, I reckon he'll get a run next week to press his case.
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@arhs Always interesting to see how these coaches strategize - no-one wanting to be seen to pull the same trick the Stormers used to do many years ago - rolling over with weak teams during their NZ tour.
Maybe it's bad for morale, but occasionally I reckon rolling over isn't a bad strategy - and especially this year with the requirements on compulsory resting of ABs.
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@cgrant said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
Odd bench for the Highlanders with two First Five Eights ?!
Great to see Parkinson in the mix. He is one to watch in a near future IMO.With Buckman and Smith already out there, and Ioane and F Smith both having spent a decent amount of time in the outside backs, that bench doesn't look all that strange.
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Tokolahi out of the Highlanders' line-up for tomorrow.
Highlanders tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi will not play in tomorrow night’s southern derby against the Crusaders. He has reinjured his right knee that kept him on the side lines with an MCL problem for six weeks and has been deemed unfit to play this weekend. Tokolahi will be assessed over the next few days before any decision is made on his availability in the short term. Guy Millar has travelled to Christchurch with the team as a replacement. Loose forward Liam Squire will be given until tomorrow to prove his fitness for the match.
Tokolahi out of Crusaders clash
Highlanders tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi will not play in tomorrow night’s southern derby against the Crusaders. Highlanders banking on energy of...
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Congrats Wyatt Crockett - huge achievement.
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How pants is Sopoaga playing this year?
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@antipodean said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
How pants is Sopoaga playing this year?
Think he's already in London enjoying the heatwave.
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@kiwimurph oh so you can remember the first half but not the second...
