Crusaders 2020
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@Steven-Harris Christie is a useful player, but he's pretty small. I'd prefer they were looking for opensides that can be built to Sam Cane/Richie McCaw dimensions.
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I wonder whether the Crusaders are looking at Brendon O'Connor? Not saying they should, although he's solid for the Bay and he's been in their squad in the past, but if they want to bridge a gap (in time) until the next youngster is ready ... He has plenty of experience.
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@Canes4life We can't be signing Hurricanes rejects in the forwards!
I think Niko Jones signed with Auckland and Sevens.
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Gotta say Ennor isn't overly big either, looks a bit small if he is eying a future as an international mid fielder.
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@taniwharugby if Ennor wants to be a centre at International level, there is no reason he can't be. One of our best ever n Snakey Smith was almost identical to the height and weight of Ennor now.
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@Canes4life stats schmats....
standing next to someone gives a better perspective of size.
Not saying he cant, just saying he looks on the small side....same height as Goodhue too, but Goodhue seems bigger when you stand next to him.
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@taniwharugby He might need to put on a few kgs but he is certainly capable.
Looks about the same size as Crotty here:
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@Canes4life I've not stood next to Crotty, but have Ennor, Conrad, Goodhue, Ranger, Nonu of recent mid fielders...as I said just my perspective.
Yep he's still young so probably still some size to come through.
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@Steven-Harris said in Crusaders 2020:
@Chris-B Crusaders approached him..lot will depend where his rehab and fitness is..could amount to nought..has a real cult following which safer supporters will enjoy .let’s see how it pans out..heard that Tim Bateman has or will be pulling the pin, so that could have been in the Saders thinking ..you have Amua from Ta$man..but I am not sure if Super Rugby is his ceiling..I am picking the Saders have 3 definite midfield options ,Goodhue,Ennor and Haviili who can slot in,you pick a younger player,maybe a Dallas McLeod..and a Ranger replaces a Bateman..
Probably a good back up for Ennor as a centre he won’t be a wing option.As Matale is back again for 20/20 There is not a lot around to pick from in the MF who are not contracted.
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I'm sure Christie would have been signed as one of potentially three openside flankers in the 38. Harmon has been outstanding this season, but he's a midget so it'd be nice to have the option of a bigger 7. Christie is marginally bigger, but not markedly.
Personally, I'd love to see James Lentjes come back to Christchurch.
As far as the possible Ranger signing goes, in isolation yes I like it as have always rated him. But I don't see the need for a 13 in this squad unless they plan to use Goodhue at 12 (blerk) and want a more experienced option to Ennor.
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@shark Lentjes? Apart from a very average player, I think he's also too old. He turns 29 in January. They should look at the future. Sione Havili looks a good prospect and at 21, still plenty of potential to develop.
Even Dillon Hunt would be a better signing than Lentjes IMO.
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@shark said in Crusaders 2020:
As far as the possible Ranger signing goes, in isolation yes I like it as have always rated him. But I don't see the need for a 13 in this squad unless they plan to use Goodhue at 12 (blerk) and want a more experienced option to Ennor.
Back up I would think in case Goodhue gets injured or rested or the Ennor/Goodhue pairing doesn’t work.
If Goodhue can cover 2nd Five It makes sense having another centre
We don’t need anymore wingers Matale will be back add him to Bridge,Reece,Leicester,Jordan and Ennor could all play there. -
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Lentjes was close to making the All Blacks EOYT two years ago when Hunt made it. This year for the Highlanders Lentjes was the better player. They're pretty similar in ability.
If he were available I'd like to think Lentjes might come back to Chch to play, but sounds like it's a moot point anyway.
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So, according to Wikipedia transfers we need to replace all of:
Owen Franks
Ben Funnell
Sam Whitelock (temporarily)
Jordan Taufua
Matt Todd
Kieran Read
Mitch Hunt
Ryan Crotty
Ngane Punivai
Israel Daggplus I read an interview with Tim Bateman that specifically said he was finished with the Crusaders.
Also, apparently not yet re-signed (Stargazer might know better than Wiki about these guys):
Harry Allan
Tim Perry
Luke Romano
Tom Sanders
Brett Cameron
Manasa MataeleWorth looking at as replacements from Ta$man (IMO) - and available as far as I know:
Sam Moli (hooker - despite yesterday's lineout throwing)
Isaac Salmon (tighthead prop)
Sione Havili (openside flanker) (actually Jake Norris has looked OK as well, but Sione clearly ahead)
Fetuli Paea (centre - maybe, given the potential dearth of other options); Rupena Parkinson another option - presently injured
Tima Faingaanuku (wing - ahead of Jamie Spowart)
Tim O'Malley could play first five, but I hope they've got a different plan.
List of 2019–20 Super Rugby transfers - Wikipedia