2021 Crusaders
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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.
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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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@shark said in 2021 Crusaders:
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.
Ranger had a couple of good games for Northland last year but most of the time he was a liability. Poor hands and passing.
I would go for Havili/Goodhue but I think Robertson will go for Goodhue/Fainga'anuku
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@Duluth wouldnt say his hands so much were the problem, was more decision making in pushing passes and trying off-loads too often that ended with an error.
I think he still has alot to offer, whether he still can at this level will be interesting, but I hope he does and just learns to play with a bit more restraint (which he should in an environment where he shouldnt feel the need to pull off the big plays all the time)
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@Duluth I was just going to post something similar.
Also, Ranger is only there as cover for the first 3-4 rounds. I'd prefer them giving game time to guys who are in the squad for the entire season, if only for match fitness/experience reasons. I'd definitely not give him more than a spot on the bench.
I'd also go for 12/13 Goodhue/Fainga'anuku, with Jordan/Havili at 14/15, especially as long as Bridge is out.
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@Duluth I reckon Razor will go Dallas McLeod and Goodhue 😉😉
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Don't know that I'd read too much into the way the backs are classified on the Crusaders website, but:
Havili - Fullback/Midfield Back
Jordan - Fullback
Faingaanuku - Outside backThe others are listed as either Midfield back (midfielders) or Outside back (the wings) . Except Fihaki is "Utility back".
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@chchfanatic said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Duluth I reckon Razor will go Dallas McLeod and Goodhue 😉😉
Well, McLeod is the only specialist 12 in the squad I guess. He's still a reasonable prospect but just a bit 'meh'.
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Haven't been overly impressed with what I've seen of McLeod but like others, he may rise to the occasion once playing at a higher level with better players.
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@African-Monkey The quality of coaching at the Crusaders is probably much higher than in the Canterbury NPC team as well.
. Haven't seen him in photos of NZ SR squads.