Crusaders 2020
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The Crusaders had a pre-season hit-out, this afternoon. The final score was 21 all.
Bryn Hall, Jack Goodhue and Mitch Drummond scored tries for Mā whero, converted by Havili;
Mitch Dunshea and Rameka Poihipi scored for Mā pango (don't know who scored the 3rd), converted by Burke.
Fergus Burke had the chance to win the golden point, but missed the penalty.Team lists:
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Some names missing, including Mo'unga, Whitelock, Drummond, Ennor, Strange, Makalio, Cameron and Tu'ungafasi, but some of them came on from the bench. Not Whitelock, Mo'unga and Makalio (he may be injured?). -
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@Stargazer Sucks for Scott - but, wow, Alex Ainley.
39 next month!
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2020:
but, wow, Alex Ainley.
39 next month!
The craftiest/most cynical player over the last few years. Very clumsy with his elbows and knees, constantly colliding with players off the ball etc
I mean that as a back handed compliment. If you watch a game live its worth keeping an eye on him for a few minutes
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A day after the Crusaders' skipper was ruled out of Super Rugby Aotearoa with a foot injury, the 26-year-old went under the knife in Christchurch on Thursday.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson called the procedure ''successful', but isn't expected to have a rehabilitation plan for a couple of days.
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"It was pretty emotional when he stood up and said to the team that he wouldn't be involved this year. As a captain, he's hugely respected by us, and he just wanted to lead his teams through his actions,'' Robertson said.
"Now, he's going to have to do it off the field. We've added him to the coaching staff, he's a creative mind. He'll work just as hard off it for us to make sure he gives everything he possibly can.''
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Barrett isn't the only veteran player set to provide an extra voice and set of eyes from the sidelines.
Former All Blacks and Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis, who last played for the red and blacks in 2016, is also helping out at Rugby Park while he's back in town.
The 36-year-old is between contracts and isn't sure what's next, but took the opportunity to have a run in the Crusaders' inter-squad match earlier this month.
''He's probably a little bit like DC [Dan Carter], keeps himself incredibly fit, a great competitor. He's here with us now, it's great,'' Robertson said.
"He's pretty special and unique, he's just been foraging around in the background, giving little bits of gold to us. He's taken on the role of helping the halfbacks out as much as he can.''
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@Stargazer only 6 weeks left - no finals - so probably done I suspect.
47 days left in the season according to Google...
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The former Highlander thought his playing career was done, despite spending a few months in Christchurch for Crusaders pre-season earlier this year.
Ainley and his family are moving home to Nelson in a few weeks, having spent about a year in the North Island.
"No, I'm not playing for Ta$man. This will basically be it,'' Ainley said before the question could even be asked.
"I say it will be me done, but I've said I'm out about three or four times now. So we will see what happens. I will see if the phone rings.''
