Crusaders v Kings

[Stargazer]

<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Crusaders:</span></strong> 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock (c)  6. Jordan Taufua, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Jimmy Tupou, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 10. Richi Mo'unga, 11. Nemani Nadolo, 12. David Havili, 13. Kieron Fonotia, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 15. Marty McKenzie</span></span><br> <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Reserves: </span></span><br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">16. Ged Robinson, 17. Alex Hodgman, 18. Mike Alaalatoa, 19. Tim Boys, 20. Peter Samu, 21. Leon Fukofuka, 22. Ryan Crotty, 23. Jone Macilai</span></span><br> <br> <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Good to see that Ryan Crotty is back, just in time for their trip to SA next week.</span></span><br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Will be interesting to see how Marty McKenzie will go for the Saders.</span></span>

[taniwharugby]

Surprised they have put macilai on the bench, been looking dangerous and this would be the perfect game to give him a real shot of confidence

[Dice]

<p>Time to load up on Crusader players in my fantasy team.</p>

[mariner4life]

<p>It'll be a bloodbath</p>

[Billy Tell]

<p>Player most under pressure to perform: Romano.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Barrett & Tupou have looked good so far, and there's no dropping Whitelock.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I hope Crotty goes OK if he gets a chance.  I'm not fussed whether he actually turns out to be starting player for NZ, but it would be good for Hansen to have options at this stage.</p>

[ACT Crusader]

It will be interesting how that loose trio goes together. <br><br>
Hopefully we get a good 20-25 with a Crotty and Havili midfield.

[booboo]

Sorry not bean following closely enough... Kieran Read? Injured?

[SammyC]

<p>MacKenzie ruled out with a hamstring injury, Volavola to start at fullback.</p>

[taniwharugby]

<p>TAB have Crusaders H2H at $1.01, can get $1.82 @-32.5pts.</p>

[Stargazer]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="565253" data-time="1458220453">
<div>
<p>Sorry not bean following closely enough... Kieran Read? Injured?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>No, being rested. Same applies to Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Andy Ellis. I read somewhere that they want to be sure to keep some key players injury free for their  South Africa trip, which starts next week. Also to give some game time/starts to others.</p>

[bbarcs]

Mehrtens just talked up the Kings as being respected in South Africa. Who's he trying to fool?<br><br>
Crusaders by 50, minimum.

[Chris B.]

<p>That's a long way off the Crusaders' best starting XV. </p>

[bbarcs]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="565754" data-time="1458365573"><p>That's a long way off the Crusaders' best starting XV.<br></p></blockquote>
<br>
30 then. Either way it's not going to be "tough" and they're not "respected.<br><br>
Last years Western Province U21 team could beat them.

[RaGe_X]

<p>50+</p>

[bbarcs]

I obviously know nothing!<br><br>
Except that if this keeps up then my multi is ruined.

[Glath]

<p>lol Crusaders.</p>

[gt12]

That looked like happening from two passes away.<br><br>
0-10 after 12

[gt12]

Crusaders strike right back through Nadolo. Some really good offloads there.<br><br>
7-12 after 15.

[gt12]

Intercept to McNicol. Gone!<br><br>
14-10.

[gt12]

Great try by Crusaders. <br><br>
Kings are really weak through the midfield (and great work by Havili and Fonotia there)<br><br>
This will get ugly.<br><br>
19-10 after 23.