Final: Chiefs v Crusaders

[Bovidae]

@mikedogz This is when being a season member is an advantage. Our tickets were sorted on Monday.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae I put down a deposit for next year so got the access. Stoked to be able to get in early man.

[Windows97]

Got my tickets this morning thanks to a friend having more patience than me with a crashing website.

The Crusaders have played their final in the semi-final and have peaked a week to early, their opposed training run last week was the worst possible preparation for the intensity of a final as compared to what the Chiefs have been through in the last 2 weeks.

These half-grains of truth mixed in with lies are what I'm telling myself to ward off the fears that the Crusaders are going to produce another 40 point thrashing at the business end of the season.

[Stargazer]

[akan004]

I think Chiefs will win it. Crusaders won't be able to bring the same intensity as last week.

[Canes4life]

I'm backing the boys from Hamilton in a close fought encounter, I just think the Chiefs have had the Crusader's number recently and that's got to have some sort of impact going into a game like this. If Blackadder and Whitelock were fit I would be picking the red and blacks, but I just think they are missing too much experience against what has been a quality Chiefs outfit this year.

Chiefs by 5 with big Guzzler sealing the deal with a try under the sticks.

[Bones]

@Kirwan said in Final: Chiefs v Crusaders (poll in first post):

@Bovidae said in Final: Chiefs v Crusaders (poll in first post):

It was always going to be O'Keeffe after the SF appointments.

Start engraving the trophy for the Cantabs now.

You've really got things the wrong way around with the refs. Bok is probably the only kiwi ref they have a chance under.

[frugby]

Nice wee surprise on the Crusaders bench tomorrow so I understand.

[Chris]

@frugby
Yes he has been working hard to get there.

[Tim]

@Chris Whitelock?

[Bones]

I'm picking Newell.

But I don't know why people don't just say....

[Duluth]

@Bones said in Final: Chiefs v Crusaders (poll in first post):

But I don't know why people don't just say....

Particularly if it’s just Bell. That’s already been mentioned in the media

[Chris]

I am talking about Bell and Whitelock.
Just to add I understand there are some players bracketed until tomorrows press release, touch and go for a couple of players.

[Bones]

@Chris if it's Bell....fucken whoopdy woo

[Chris]

@Bones
Pretty sure it will be whoopdy woo at least.

[Bones]

[Duluth]

So far the poll is at:
58% Chiefs
42% Crusaders

TAB has it even

If they follow the usual schedule teams should be named in 15mins

[Bovidae]

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-name-formidable-side-for-sold-out-final

[Duluth]

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-name-formidable-side-for-sold-out-final

1 Aidan Ross (73)
2 Samisoni Taukei'aho (76)
3 George Dyer (20)
4 Brodie Retallick (127)
5 Tupou Vaa'i (43)
6 Pita Gus Sowakula (68)
7 Sam Cane (Co-Captain, 149)
8 Luke Jacobson (62)
9 Brad Weber (Co-Captain, 122)
10 Damian McKenzie (110)
11 Etene Nanai-Seturo (43)
12 Anton Lienert-Brown (105)
13 Alex Nankivell (69)
14 Emoni Narawa (28)
15 Shaun Stevenson (83)

Reserves
16 Tyrone Thompson (14)
17 Ollie Norris (44)
18 John Ryan (16)
19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi (48)
20 Samipeni Finau (31)
21 Cortez Ratima (25)
22 Josh Ioane (10)
23 Rameka Poihipi (29)

Players not considered due to injury
Angus Ta’avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Laghlan McWhannell, Lalomilo Lalomilo

[Duluth]

Crusaders Name Side for 2023 Grand Final

The Crusaders have named their last squad of the ’23 season, including the return of departing veteran Sam Whitelock.