2021 Crusaders

[booboo]

@Bones said in 2021 Crusaders:

@booboo he'd be an improvement on Reuben Thorne.

Who?

[Canes4life]

@chchfanatic it's Tamati Ellison isn't it? His Insta story suggests he's in Chch

[Yeetyaah]

https://crusaders.co.nz/news/1498-tamati-ellison-to-join-crusaders-coaching-group

[Kiwiwomble]

@Yeetyaah great...the Crusaders need all the help they can get

he was so good when he played for us, should have tried harder to keep him in NZ

[Stargazer]

Surely, that must have been Jason Ryan?

[Stargazer]

Link to the Getty website with some photos of training:

Getty Images

So Ta$man winger Timoci Tavatavanawai is indeed training with the team.
Someone identified Luke Donaldson earlier. In the photo below, who is the guy sitting at the bottom of the steps, wearing the grey t-shirt? I recognise him, but ...

[KiwiMurph]

@Stargazer That looks like Tim O'Malley ( Ta$man backup 10/12)?

[Stargazer]

@KiwiMurph Yes, that could be him.

[Yeetyaah]

@Stargazer it's Tim O'Malley

[Stargazer]

Nathan Vella is training with the Crusaders. Is there any SR franchise left he hasn't trained with or played for? I assume it's just All Blacks cover for Taylor.

[Stargazer]

[Yeetyaah]

[Chris B.]

@Yeetyaah And a bit more...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/124064374/crusaders-hooker-andrew-makalio-out-for-super-rugby-season-with-neck-injury

[Stargazer]

@Chris-B Big loss. McAlister will get a lot more game time, and I assume Taylor, too!

[Stargazer]

Crusaders set for talent logjam after utility back David Havili reveals his preferred playing position

Crusaders utility back David Havili has revealed which position he wants to play this season as he targets a return to the All Blacks.

[Canes4life]

Havili might be forced into the 12 jersey with Jordan playing the way he is. One of the positives/negatives (depending how he looks at it) of being a jack of all trades sort of player.

[Stargazer]

@Canes4life I think Havili will be first choice fullback again and will be ahead of Jordan. Havili is the better fullback because his range of skills is much bigger. Whether Jordan starts at fullback will IMO depend on whether Havili will be used at 12, and that will depend on whether they move Goodhue to 13 or not. If they don't start Jordan at fullback, he may get the 14 jersey (also because they may decide to move Reece to the left wing).

Despite all the injuries, the Crusaders still have a wealth of good options.

[cgrant]

With Ennor out, the probable midfield combo should be Havili - Goodhue. The other option is Goodhue - Fainganu'uku.

[Chris B.]

@cgrant said in 2021 Crusaders:

With Ennor out, the probable midfield combo should be Havili - Goodhue. The other option is Goodhue - Fainganu'uku.

I think we'll see a fair bit of shuffling about - but, the first choice midfield combo looks like Havili and Goodhue to me - at least initially.

That headline in Stargazer's article is slightly misleading - Havili sounds pretty happy to play anywhere.

[shark]

I've always had a soft spot for Rene Ranger and they could make it a straight swap and use him in lieu of Ennor. I wouldn't complain. But then I also prefer Goodhue at centre so a Havaili' / Goodhue combo appeals also.