Crusaders 2020
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It's been noted before, but the Crusaders have an absolute abundance of talent that might play in the back three:
Reece, Bridge, Mataele, Faingaanuku, Paea, Jordan, Havili, Ennor.
Marked contrast to the days when Toddy Blackadder spent all his budget on a massive forward pack and we had Colin Slade playing wing, along with the likes of Adam Whitelock, Nafi Tuitavake, Tom Marshall, Tom Taylor et al filling spots in the outside backs.
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Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:
1 Isi Tu’ungafasi
2 Andrew Makalio
3 Michael Alaalatoa
4 Mitchell Dunshea
5 Quinten Strange
6 Tom Sanders
7 Tom Christie
8 Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)
9 Mitchell Drummond (VC)
10 Brett Cameron
11 Leicester Faingaanuku
12 Dallas McLeod
13 Braydon Ennor
14 Will Jordan
15 David Havili (C).
RESERVES:
16 Brodie McAlister
17 George Bower
18 Oliver Jager
19 Cullen Grace
20 Sione Havili
21 Bryn Hall
22 Fergus Burke
23 Manasa Mataele
24 Harry Allan
25 Luke Romano
26 Fetuli Paeahttps://crusaders.co.nz/news/1391-crusaders-team-named-to-play-the-highlanders-in-wanaka
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From the article below:
... fullback David Havili will captain the side in his first pre-season appearance, and will finish the match at second-five eighth as the Crusaders test combinations.Openside flanker Billy Harmon picked up a medial ligament strain last week against the Hurricanes and is expected to be sidelined for four-six weeks. -
Strange out for about five weeks! Pretty unlucky for him.
Article has a few pointers as to the likely backline - Goodhue/Ennor midfield with Jordan on the right wing - given reduced loads for ABs.
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Crusaders away jersey
adidas has today unveiled the alternate jerseys for all five New Zealand Investec Super Rugby sides for the highly anticipated 2020 season. From material to design, the jerseys have been crafted to reflect and honour the natural environments of each team. All 5 jerseys are part of the new adidas PRIMEBLUE range – made with Parley Ocean Plastic, which is recycled plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the oceans.From material to design, the jerseys have been crafted to reflect and honour the natural environments of each team. All 5 jerseys are part of the new adidas PRIMEBLUE range – made with Parley Ocean Plastic, which is recycled plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the oceans. As part of its ongoing mission to end plastic waste, adidas has committed to shift entirely to recycled polyester by 2024. To inspire rugby fans to join the movement, the designs of each teams alternate jersey features aquatic-style patterns and nods to the teams’ local environments: • The Crusaders jersey is based on the Braided Rivers; the backbone of the Crusaders region. The design of the shirt incorporates a print inspired by the Braided Rivers, intertwined with the peaks of the alps.https://www.allblacks.com/news/adidas-unveils-investec-super-rugby-away-jerseys/
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Crusaders pivot Richie Mo'unga isn't expected to miss any time due to the knee/groin injuries which troubled him against the Waratahs on Saturday night. The 25-year-old didn't kick goals in the Crusaders' 43-25 bonus point win in Nelson and needed medical attention throughout the first half. Coach Scott Robertson confirmed All Black Mo'unga handed the kicking duties to fullback David Havili before kickoff after he felt "tightness" in his groin during the warm-up. He took an early knock to his left-knee during the match and had it strapped, but played on. As was always the plan due to All Blacks rest protocols, Mo'unga was substituted for Brett Cameron at halftime, when the Crusaders led 24-6. -
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@Stargazer what position does he play?
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@Stargazer I though he was a Hastings RSC player following his old man who played at Hastings Old Boys.
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@Stargazer Does the fact he was playing for Havelock mean that he has re-signed with the Magpies?
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Crusaders Development XV to play Hurricanes Hunters in Porirua on Sat 15 Feb 2020 (k/o 1.00pm):
1 Isi Tuungafasi
2 Brodie McAlister
3 Tamaiti Williams
4 Sam Darry
5 Antonio Shalfoon
6 Hugh Renton
7 Jacob Norris
8 Ethan Roots
9 Ereatara Enari
10 Rameka Poihipi
11 Leicester Faingaanuku
12 Dallas McLeod
13 Inga Finau
14 Manasa Mataele
15 Chay FihakiRESERVES:
16 Shilo Klein
17 Harry Allan
18 Fletcher Newell
19 Mahonri Ngakuru
20 Josh Bokser
21 Luke Donaldson
22 Isaiah Punivai
23 Fetuli Paea
24 Sam Gilberthttps://crusaders.co.nz/news/1402-crusaders-development-xv-named-to-play-hurricanes-hunters
