Crusaders 2023

[SBW1]

@gt12 Saders must be expecting slippery conditions this Friday night. On a facebook post they were training with the sprinklers on. Has been very humid in Brisbane the last few days.

[george33]

@Chris what has happened to Melanie Nanai at crusaders? No game time yet I no blues and chiefs turned him down for contract but with so many injuries at crusaders no game time yet or is he injured?

[Chris]

@george33 said in Next Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes coach discussion:

@Chris what has happened to Melanie Nanai at crusaders? No game time yet I no blues and chiefs turned him down for contract but with so many injuries at crusaders no game time yet or is he injured?

He is injured again.

[george33]

@Chris again story of his rugby career at this stage thanks

[Chris]

David Havilli and Macca Springer both a chance for this week, if not 100% back for R9 after the Bye.

[Stargazer]

Mo'unga playing his 100th game, this Friday. I assume it's his 100th Crusaders game, with his 100th Super Rugby game the next game? (Like Scott Barrett earlier?)

[SBW1]

@Stargazer Who is going to replace him next year? Sure we have Fergus Burke who is earmarked as his heir. I have a feeling we may see Harford get a run soon. Are we going to look for a new signing in the future?

[Stargazer]

@SBW1 Burke, Kemara and another. Could be Harford, could be someone new.

[Chris]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2023:

@Stargazer Who is going to replace him next year? Sure we have Fergus Burke who is earmarked as his heir. I have a feeling we may see Harford get a run soon. Are we going to look for a new signing in the future?

James White from the Crusaders Academy and U/2Os is another option if they don't select Harford.

[Stargazer]

@Chris Has he played NPC? Very risky to back-up Burke with two rookies.

[Chris]

@Stargazer said in Crusaders 2023:

@Chris Has he played NPC? Very risky to back-up Burke with two rookies.

Not as yet , More a player for the future.

[Stargazer]

From Cullen Grace's instagram stories:

[Chris]

@Stargazer said in Crusaders 2023:

From Cullen Grace's instagram stories:

David Havilli,Jack Goodhue,Finlay’s Brewis,OllieJager,Zac Gallagher,Quentin Strange,WillJordan
All back training along with Grace.

[SBW1]

@Chris What is the story with Bower?

[Chris]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2023:

@Chris What is the story with Bower?

I have not heard anything about Bower.

[SBW1]

@Stargazer We could always poach Brett Cameron, he is a product of the Saders. I think they will be looking at recruiting, big shoes to fill.

[Stargazer]

@SBW1 Why would they want Cameron back? He isn't that good. And he is contracted to the Canes for 2024.

[Chris]

@Stargazer said in Crusaders 2023:

@SBW1 Why would they want Cameron back? He isn't that good. And he is contracted to the Canes for 2024.

I think the Crusaders will use Burke and bring on Kemara,Maybe with Harford as he is in the WTG with the Crusaders.

[SBW1]

@Chris There will be a new coach next year whether if is Goodman or not who knows? That w seems plausible. They could bring in some of their own players, who knows?

[Stargazer]

@Chris They should go after someone with a bit more experience than Harford. In 2024, if Burke goes down, you don't want to rely on two rookies. Looking at who are off-contract at the end of the season (not sure about all of them), there aren't many options in NZ:

Marty Banks, Beauden Barrett, Bryn Gatland, Sam Gilbert, Mitch Hunt, Josh Ioane, Lincoln McClutchie, Damian McKenzie, Harry Plummer, (Rivez Reihana)

Some players in that list aren't realistic options, obviously. Maybe they need to look overseas if they want experience. Or try to get someone released from their current contract.