Crusaders v Blues
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@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
Crusader B’s should be okay for Super rugby, I’m more concerned about our test side for the 4Ns without these two.
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@act-crusader I think the AB coaches start from the assumption Crotty won't be playing. It's not like there is any chance he'll play the entire 4N intact.
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@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
Braydon Ennor is in the reserves instead of Manasa Mataele for the Crusaders ... latter suffered a minor injury at training on Thurs we are told
I was pleased to see this, because a) I thought for some reason Ennor was out injured and b) because my opinion of Mateale dipped considerably after he was easily mowed down vs the Highlanders. I don't even know if he touched the ball though did he??
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@shark Ennor was indeed injured but apparently recovered in time for this game.
I still think Mataele was stopped by Ben Smith because he didn't see him coming (or underestimated Smith's speed?) and therefore didn't run full speed himself. Just a rookie mistake from which he'll learn.
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@shark Jeez - that's harsh on Mataele, who has scored a number of valuable tries this year - several of his own making.
I reckon he offers much more threat than Ennor.
A problem with what is presumably our first choice All Black midfield is that seemingly Crotty rarely finishes matches and Sonny Bill rarely starts them!
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@chris-b said in Crusaders v Blues:
@shark Jeez - that's harsh on Mataele, who has scored a number of valuable tries this year - several of his own making.
I reckon he offers much more threat than Ennor.
A problem with what is presumably our first choice All Black midfield is that seemingly Crotty rarely finishes matches and Sonny Bill rarely starts them!
Bloody harsh, Mataele has been brilliant this year.
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@sammyc I guess I am being harsh too, but it was disappointing to see him run down so easiy. I expected him to be quick. Is he known for his speed or am I guilty of stereotyping?
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@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
@sammyc I guess I am being harsh too, but it was disappointing to see him run down so easiy. I expected him to be quick. Is he known for his speed or am I guilty of stereotyping?
I think he’s pretty quick over the first 10-20 metres.
It was a little disappointing to see him run down..... but other than that, he’s been bloody good this year, confirmed by razor picking him ahead of dagg for the chiefs game a couple of weeks back.
Ennor is probably faster, but I think mataele is better in all other areas.
Also from what I’ve heard Ennor isn’t the most humble or likeable guy in the squad. -
I’ve been on the Mataele bandwagon this season after being a little suspect last year. I was surprised he got chased down and that he looked to be labouring in that play, because he’s shown some clean heels this year.
He’s definitely in our best 23 this season.
The question for me is whether Dagg is in our best 23 right now. Bridge is having a Bubbles/Ralphesque type season so is a definite starter. Havili has been Mr Reliable out the back and works so well with Tamanivalu.
He could take Hunt’s spot....
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@act-crusader If Israel takes anyone's spot, it's got to be Havili's - with the prospect that Havili could sit on the bench for Mataele.
I can't really see it though. One thing that Havili is very good at is buying time and re-setting play, by either staying on his feet, or quickly releasing and regaining his feet and the ball.
If everyone is fit, the biggest question for me is whether Samu or HBC sits on the bench. I'm inclined to think Samu.
Crockett > Perry on the bench
Romano > Strange
Havili > Dagg on current form -
