Crusaders v Blues
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Yeah, hopefully both fit and firing - will make a great one - two punch no matter who starts.
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@KiwiMurph that was a real plus and a step forward,not often do you see the Saders not score from a lineout drive.
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I’m actually pretty satisfied with that. We have a lot to work on, obviously, but against the best team in the competition at home, and in conditions that played to their strengths, that was solid effort.
We give them lots of shit about Maul defence, but they had two great efforts on their line. And in previous years the Crusaders have been able to score at will against us with those.
It’s the small stuff that keeps getting each week, but there was signs of improvement here. Even Ruru’s clearing kicks were good.
To have a chance to steal the game was a herculean defensive effort.
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@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
I think his lack of pace has been there all season. But yeah - he did look a bit tired tonight.
Tana's best signing?
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By the way, that catch from Mo'unga, just before that "almost try" was a pure piece of brilliance!
David Havili had a good game as well, just like his counterpart Melani Nanai. Probably the best of the backs with Mo'unga, although Hall had a good game, too. Generally, it wasn't a game for running rugby; so not too much impact from the backs apart from the kicking. It was funny hearing the commentators say that Levi Aumua should move into the front row because of his size.
Crusaders scrum went well, most line-outs, too.
Some great turnovers from the Blues. Pat T probably their best forward.
In this game, Douglas > Akira, who was completely invisible again. It was interesting to hear what the radio commentators, particularly Flynn had to say about his excessive playing minutes. He said - among other things - that guys like Akira and Pat T are getting so many minutes because they are fighting for a spot in the finals; but it will come back to bite them if they actually make the finals, because these guys look tired. And that's exactly it.
Anyway, can the Blues still make the play-offs?
The Crusaders only need 2 points out of their next two games - I think - to seal that top spot on the table.
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@Steven-Harris said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph that was a real plus and a step forward,not often do you see the Saders not score from a lineout drive.
Missing Taylor and Franks, although Alaalatoa hasn't been too bad.
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
And I think that will be the reason why he won't make the ABs squad.
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@Stargazer normally we let in lineout drive tries against anybody, does not seem to matter whom the opposition is..I guess against the caliber of the Crusaders who are the number 1 rated team..I will take that.
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Great effort from the Blues don't care what anyone says. Yes it was a loss but they put everything into it. Speaking to some of them after the game they were shattered but they can hold their heads up. Well done Crusaders.
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@Duluth said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
Well that was a big improvement on 54-17 last year
Blues have done better against the Crusaders than the other NZ sides this year
The Rangi factor. Yes everyone sees the same film, and he knows Robbo, he knows many of the players a little more than others.
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Most boring match in a good while. Dreary and dull.
The crusaders should start Ennor ahead of Crotty.
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@Kirwan I thought the conditions favoured the Blues and their forward dominant style. When it’s been dry and less slippery, that is when we have excelled with our midfield making metres and our quicks our wide being dominant.
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@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
Best call of the night
“Hey Reiko, your as useless as your brother”
Conditions kept the blues in it, not a night for high scoring rugby
Crusaders fans can't spell or correctly use grammar? That makes sense.
