Blues v Crusaders

[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???

[African Monkey]

I'm not usually a Ruru fan, but he did have a good game last week. Don't mind too much that he's starting (hope I don't come back to regret saying this). It's funny in a way that we have developed a bit of depth at halfback, more or less because they've hung around so long and have slowly improved over time after struggling at this level early on.

Also happy enough that Heem is starting. His experience out there could be important given the Crusaders found a massive weakness there last year, and good to see TJ Faiane back. Some good competition with him and Plummer there now.

Not sure who will win (probably the Crusaders as usual), but GO THE BLUES!