Crusaders 2019
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@chris said in Crusaders 2019:
@chris-b Rumour Tom Christie was going to the Blues Razor talked him out of it and he's in the Crusaders 38
Don't think we'll have both him and Niko Jones in the 38. Not sure either would be ready for Super rugby if Matt Todd went down for the season - though I've never seen Jones.
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@chris-b I watched him (Jones) closely during the NZ Schools' games and the Top Four Final. He's a good player for his age, but often tried too hard and did things by himself instead of involving (trusting) his team mates. Rookie mistakes. Potentially very good, but lots and lots to learn. IMO too early for SR; should play NPC first. Think he's more potential than Christie, but we'll have to wait and see. Not all school rugby talent develops well; although with his pedegree, it's what you'd expect.
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I think Niko Jones is all class personally but a lack of size could potentially hold him back. His skill set is fantastic especially off the back of the scrum where I haven't seen a schoolboy as good as he is in that area. He's also very quick over the ball on defence as well as being a good tackler. I think 7 could be his future if he doesn't grow but he definitely has the skills to play at 8.
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The Crusaders have possibly also signed a Fijian winger from Hastings Boys HS, I assume on a development contract. Michael Naitokani played in this years 1st XV squad that lost the Hurricanes 1st XV final to Napier BHS. I can't say much about him, because only one HBHS game was televised and I've watched one via a livestream (that Hurricanes Final), but he knows how to find the try line!
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@chris said in Crusaders 2019:
As mentioned in the Blues thread Raymond Nu'u has impressed in a losing Southland side the question is Razor onto this young player for the Crusaders ? I couldn't believe Maddocks stuffed up letting him go to Southland and then signed 2 plonders Beard and Burleigh instead.
Anyone who’s watched club rugby this year would agree it was a massive stuff up by Maddock. I said that before the NPC kicked off
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@stargazer said in Crusaders 2019:
IMO too early for SR; should play NPC first. Think he's more potential than Christie, but we'll have to wait and see. Not all school rugby talent develops well; although with his pedegree, it's what you'd expect.
That right there is the problem though, kids getting full contracts straight out of school.
In an ideal world, we would select these guys from NPC and the development contracts could be offered to kids as a pathway.
I think a prime example is Sam Nock, highly rated schoolboy, but has struggled at Super Level and TBH, really only found his feet at NPC this year, which was his 4th season IIRC, so you coudl argue the super side may have hindered him rather than helped.
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@taniwharugby Yup plenty of examples of it too. To be fair a few have come off but there have probably been a lot more failures than successes.
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@taniwharugby Yep, I'd say, test them at NPC level first. The Bay had 6 players from last year's champions Hastings 1st XV squad in the team; five have clearly proven to be of NPC level, the 6th only got one game due to injury. Flanders was one of the best in the 2018 NZU20s squad, and I expect at least 5 of the 6 in next year's NZU20s. Flanders has a SR contract, and I think McClutchie, Fakatava, Kereru-Symes and Toala all deserve at least a SR development contract (maybe Tavita-Metcalfe too, but he has not had enough opportunities to show it). But the Canes being the Canes, I doubt they all get one; they'll be lucky if another franchise has signed them. But the point is, we now know they are deserving.
Although it should be said, the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders are better at identifying talent than the Canes and Blues. The Blues may improve now (hopefully) with better coaches in their set-up; the Canes need to get over their regional pro-Wellington bias.
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@taniwharugby Yeah I have to agree it seems very hit and miss signing players who haven't been through the NPC which is a great grounding for young players.Franchises seem nervous about waiting incase they miss out.Maybe contracting should be aligned to the NPC.Then have a televised draft day like the Americans do would be great viewing.
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[link text](link url)https://m.facebook.com/crusadersrugby/photos/a.10150098825782147/10156887631882147/?type=3&source=48
Check down the page some clues on the Saders page about new signings
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Five new names in 2019 BNZ Crusaders squad Published: Tuesday, 30 October 2018 20:58 The BNZ Crusaders squad for 2019 has been named, and will feature five new players for the Investec Super Rugby season. Head Coach Scott Robertson, alongside Assistant Coach Brad Mooar and Forwards Coach Jason Ryan, announced the 38-man squad this morning at Rugby Park, and Robertson said he is confident he has the right mix of players to take the team forward in 2019. "I'm really excited to name the squad today, as our pre-season starts to take shape. It's a really consistent group to what we had last season, but we've also named some young players we think are going to step in to our environment and thrive, which is exciting as we plan for 2019." There are two new additions to the forwards in 2019. As previously announced, Whetukamokamo Douglas returns to the side having played six times for the Crusaders during their 2017 season. Following a stint with Italian club, Benetton, the former Waikato player returned to Christchurch for Canterbury's 2018 Mitre 10 Cup campaign where he was named as Co-Captain, but was ruled out midway through the season due to a fractured thumb. 21 year old prop Harry Allan has been named in the team for the first time, although he has two Super Rugby caps to his name already; Allan debuted for the Crusaders against the Sunwolves in 2018, and then played the Rebels in Melbourne."Whetu was a popular member of our team in 2017, with fans and team mates alike, so we are thrilled to have him back in a Crusaders jersey. He was unlucky to miss part of the Canterbury season through injury but he'll come back ready for a big Super season in 2019. He's a genuine leader and a great team man," Robertson said. "Harry is a strong, young front rower with plenty of potential. He's been in our environment before and that experience will set him up nicely for his first full Super Rugby season." Two Canterbury backs will also join the squad in 2019, in team mates Brett Cameron and Ngane Punivai. Promising Ta$man outside back, Leicester Faingaanuku, completes the 2019 squad for the Crusaders. "We're really excited about the new talent joining our back line this season," Robertson said. "Brett did a fantastic job steering Canterbury around the park during this year's Mitre 10 Cup, and was rewarded with a spot on the end of year tour as part of the All Blacks wider squad. He's a balanced No. 10 who possesses a good turn of speed and both his kicking out of hand and his goal-kicking are exceptional. "Ngane is a great centre/wing option for us, his size and speed are huge assets. He’s a smart player who makes good decisions and has an incredible work ethic. “Leicester was an incredible age-group player and dominated through schools’ rugby. His size and power are his greatest strengths, so it’s no surprise he finds his way to the try line frequently. We know he’ll take that potential and perform for us in a Crusaders jersey.” -
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@stargazer And the 2019 title goes to the Crusaders. I think it's stronger than this year's team, going to take a big effort from other teams to pip them up again this year.
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@canes4life Not sure it's stronger. They don't have a really good (like for like) replacement of Tamanivalu. They picked two rookies instead. And Bateman is still there, which surprises me.
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@kiwimurph said in Crusaders 2019:
@chris-b Aumua is off to the Blues allegedly.
Yeah - though I was hoping that might just be a rumour. Him not being in the Chiefs squad meant he was the best "ready to go" option from the Mako.
Good size, but slightly lacking in pace - will be a decent pick up for the Blues, but you guys probably would have been better off with Tumua Manu IMO.
