Blues v Crusaders

[Tim]

Players not considered with injury: Soane Vikena (Pec), Ray Niuia (knee), Dillon Hunt (concussion), Dalton Papalii (concussion), Mark Telea (concussion), Jone Macalai (season-ending).

https://blues.rugby/experienced-line-up-for-clash-with-crusaders/

Heem is a weird one.

[Stargazer]

@tim What's weird about Heem? I totally expected him there; just not sure about when.

[Tim]

@stargazer Only joined the squad two weeks ago, probably a bit slow at his age. Was never a high skill level player.

[KiwiMurph]

@tim the other options are Narawa (who has major defensive question marks) or rookies

[Tim]

@kiwimurph Or Tanielu Tele'a.

[KiwiMurph]

@tim True. It's clear they are going for experience there.

[akan004]

I know with 6 forwards on the bench it's going to be hard to pick Zarn Sullivan but man it's disappointing not to see him in SR so far. A definite future AB imo.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300257160/super-rugby-aotearoa-blues-opt-for-bryce-heem-on-right-wing-to-face-crusaders

[Gunner]

Ruru again, what a head scratcher...

[Old Samurai Jack]

Clear advantage to Crusaders especially in the tight five. I think Laulala is one of the few tightheads in NZ that can handle Moody in the scrums though.

[nzzp]

@gunner said in Blues v Crusaders:

Ruru again, what a head scratcher...

He was electric in the rucks last week. Seriously good.

[Daffy Jaffy]

[Frye]

@old-samurai-jack said in Blues v Crusaders:

Clear advantage to Crusaders especially in the tight five. I think Laulala is one of the few tightheads in NZ that can handle Moody in the scrums though.

Pretty even in the pack for mine.

[Nogusta]

@kiwimurph I would have liked to see Rangi show some faith in Narawa

[KiwiMurph]

@nogusta it's a very big ask to physically go up against Fainga'anuku - Leicester destroyed AJ Lam in the Mitre 10 Cup final

[taniwharugby]

@gunner he did go pretty well last week (although he is always strong on the ball and defensively) guess it is at least some consistency though, I thought they'd start Christie.

Nock probably lost some points due to the YC which I thought was a bit of a harsh call.

[Dan54]

@frye said in Blues v Crusaders:

@old-samurai-jack said in Blues v Crusaders:

Clear advantage to Crusaders especially in the tight five. I think Laulala is one of the few tightheads in NZ that can handle Moody in the scrums though.

Pretty even in the pack for mine.

I somehow think Crusaders will get points, front rows about even, second row Crusaders, loosies Blues, but out in backline it tends to head Crusaders way. 9-10 Crusaders, midfield even just Havili maybe ahead of Plaummer enough to cancel our Ioane ahead of Goodhue. Back 3 Crusaders as well as bench. Still Blues at home etc so just maybe.

[Bovidae]

It's been 7 years since the Blues won this encounter. No pressure then.

[Mackerzzzz]

@dan54 Ioane ahead of Goodhue🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

In your dreams.... Ioane cant defend a wet sack

[Mackerzzzz]

Blues have lost...

Ruru starting over Nock???