Final: Chiefs v Crusaders

[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.

[Bovidae]

Sowakula starting ahead of Finau.

[Machpants]

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

Sowakula starting ahead of Finau.

Plus Whitelock starting, games all Crusaders now

[Stargazer]

Bell v Thomspon in the 2nd half. Two possible future ABs against each other.

[SBW1]

Has George Bell played at all this season? Was a powerhouse for the Under 20s last season and when he got on particularly against the Force in Perth last year.

[Chris]

@SBW1
Played 30 min last week for Lincoln in club footy.