Blues v Crusaders

[nzzp]

@Tim got to have maul defence and good set piece. Neither up to scratch this year, I'm expecting a crusaders win unless a miracle happens

[george33]

@Chris yes zarn Sullivan on stand by but think he b close

[Chris]

@nzzp said in Blues v Crusaders:

@Tim got to have maul defence and good set piece. Neither up to scratch this year, I'm expecting a crusaders win unless a miracle happens

Geez I am expecting an easy win for the Blues,I thought the Blues looked like they were getting their game together.
Crusaders look under done and heaps of key injuries, not claiming under dog status here but I genuinely believe the Blues by 10 or 15.

[Duluth]

PAPALII CALLS ON HOME FANS FOR GRAND FINAL REMATCH — Blues Rugby

The Blues are back in front of home fans at Eden Park this weekend for a rematch of last season’s DHL Super Rugby final against the Crusaders on Saturday, March 18 at 7:05pm.  The match doubles as a reunion for the 2003 Blues team and a chance to celebrate 20 years since their own Super Ru

1 Alex Hodgman
2 Ricky Riccitelli
3 James Lay
4 James Tucker
5 Cameron Suafoa
6 Adrian Choat
7 Dalton Papalii
8 Hoskins Sotutu
9 Finlay Christie
10 Beauden Barrett
11 Caleb Clarke
12 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
13 Rieko Ioane
14 Mark Telea
15 Stephen Perofeta (50 Blues games)

Reserves:
16 Soane Vikena
17 Jordan Lay
18 Nepo Laulala
19 Tom Robinson
20 Taine Plumtree
21 Taufa Funaki
22 Bryce Heem
23 Zarn Sullivan

Players not considered: Sam Darry (knee), Joshua Fusitu’a (ribs), Akira Ioane (knee), Sam Nock (calf), Patrick Tuipulotu (knee), Ofa Tuungafasi (concussion).

[nzzp]

@Chris said in Blues v Crusaders:

I genuinely believe the Blues by 10 or 15.

Not with our tight 5. 6+ we should be good, but it's up front I'm worried.

Still going along though!

[nzzp]

@Duluth Zarn at last at 23!

[Chris]

Squad Naming: Round Four vs Blues

[Duluth]

Choat has been playing well off the bench.

It'll be interesting to see which side of the scrum the flankers pack. Papali'i has been blindside when Choat is on the field. I suspect the number on the back don't mean much

Robinson covering lock. Doing that from the bench is better than starting at 6 and then moving forward

[Bovidae]

Eklund won't be misfiring with his thrown-ins this week!

[george33]

@Duluth choat like a modern day rambo this boy I now tuff as but still gotta put it out there

[george33]

@Duluth pretty sure it's because Blackadder there meet fire with fire just saying

[KiwiMurph]

Typical conservative Leon having to rearrange his 23 instead of just showing faith in a young lock.

Good to see Zarn in the 23.

Hopefully the rain holds off.

[Crazy Horse]

@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Crusaders:

Typical conservative Leon having to rearrange his 23 instead of just showing faith in a young lock.

Good to see Zarn in the 23.

Hopefully the rain holds off.

Did anyone manage to watch Zarn at 10 last week?

[george33]

@Crazy-Horse yes he was great at 10 just needs more time he b our blues 10 next season all goin well don't forget young Payton Spencer tho but he is currently 7s but signed up

[Crazy Horse]

@george33 said in Blues v Crusaders:

@Crazy-Horse yes he was great at 10 just needs more time he b our blues 10 next season all goin well don't forget young Payton Spencer tho but he is currently 7s but signed up

So you watched in person or was the game streamed?

[george33]

@Crazy-Horse watched it he will b great bit more games at 10, think u will c him this year at 10 for blues maybe force game when beauden and Stephen have a break that's my pick but jock was good to tho

[Nevorian]

Crusaders should win in the tight five, blues dominate in the Loosies , evens in the halves and Blues in the centres and outside backs. Still should be within 8 points to blues as whenever these two meet

[number9]

@Nevorian said in Blues v Crusaders:

Crusaders should win in the tight five, blues dominate in the Loosies , evens in the halves and Blues in the centres and outside backs. Still should be within 8 points to blues as whenever these two meet

Blues will win it at the breakdown and mobility

[Chris B.]

@Chris said in Blues v Crusaders:

Squad Naming: Round Four vs Blues

Is Quin Strange not available?

I'd have been tempted to include him in the 23 and play Scott Barrett at 6 - Ethan at 8. How does Bower go at tighthead? I can't recall seeing him there, but this old article says he prefers it.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/113860900/super-rugby-george-bowers-rise-from-makeshift-barber-to-crusaders-prop

Our backs look pretty weak without Havili, Goodhue Jordan (and Hall).

Be a good night for pissing rain and 10 man rugby!!!

[Tim]

Both teams paying $1.92 at the TAB.