Crusaders v Highlanders (round 4)

[Stargazer]

@KiwiMurph Haha, yes! I follow a lot of players from the time they were at school and it's just awesome to see them progress to higher levels, but - of course - you want to see them get playing opportunities at those higher levels, too. I know his time will come; I'm just impatient haha.

[Stargazer]

Crusaders

1 Joe Moody
2 Codie Taylor (VC)
3 Michael Alaalatoa
4 Luke Romano
5 Mitchell Dunshea
6 Cullen Grace
7 Tom Christie
8 Tom Sanders
9 Bryn Hall
10 Richie Mo'unga
11 George Bridge
12 Jack Goodhue (VC)
13 Braydon Ennor
14 Sevu Reece
15 David Havili (C)

Reserves:
16 Andrew Makalio
17 Isi Tuungafasi
18 George Bower
19 Ethan Roots*
20 Sione Havili
21 Mitchell Drummond
22 Brett Cameron
23 Leicester Faingaanuku

*denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

The only changes to the starting team this week are in the forwards, with Captain Scott Barrett (knee) and Oli Jager (concussion) both ruled out with injury. Luke Romano and Michael Alaalatoa come in to the starting side at lock and tighthead prop respectively. Isi Tuungafasi moves in to the match day team and will wear the number 17 jersey. GettyImages 1187076887

The backline remains unchanged this week, but there is a reshuffle of the captaincy with David Havili named as Captain and Codie Taylor and Jack Goodhue Vice-Captains for this game. 

Will Jordan (groin) has also been ruled out of this match, so Leicester Faingaanuku will be on the bench in his place. Meanwhile, Ethan Roots is set to become Crusader #241 on Friday night, if called on in the reserves to make his Investec Super Rugby debut.

https://crusaders.co.nz/news/1406-crusaders-team-named-to-host-the-highlanders-in-christchurch

[Bones]

@KiwiMurph by the same token...

Fuck!!! Can we please fucken get Ioane at first five and piss Hunt off to the bench. Walden is a starter, not a bench player. I don't see what Hunt is offering starting.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bones all about the media story with hunt at 10.

[Duluth]

What is par?

A 20 point margin?

[taniwharugby]

@Duluth about right, TAB has a +17.5 start for the Highlanders.

[antipodean]

First minute. First touch for Collins. First fuck up for Collins.

[KiwiMurph]

Sick pass Collins....

[Duluth]

Great run by Smith at that scrum

Ioane looking like a threat at 12

[Bones]

Seriously how do people have a problem with Johnson when Marshall is this bad?

[KiwiMurph]

@Bones said in Crusaders v Highlanders (round 4):

Seriously how do people have a problem with Johnson when Marshall is this bad?

It's not mutually exclusive.

[Bones]

@KiwiMurph yeah I guess I still don't understand it.

[antipodean]

A penalty to the Highlanders 30m away from the clear knock on - offside.

Crusaders making yards around the fringes pretty easily.

[KiwiMurph]

Nice to see no away jerseys.

[Tim]

Can Smith stop screaming like a little girl?

[KiwiMurph]

Hahaha that kick from Collins.

[Bones]

Hammett is defence and forwards coach? Poor bloke is overworked. Especially since it appears he's dabbling in attack too.

Blues fans will be delighted with Collins' last touch.

[Tim]

Garbage defence.

[Bones]

@Tim said in Crusaders v Highlanders (round 4):

Garbage defence.

Garbage ruck work. Highlanders think they can turn up to a breakdown and just bend over slightly and look at the ball. Crusaders rightly put them on their arses.

[Machpants]

Nice try. Also loved the backs effecting a ruck turn over!