Crusaders v Chiefs
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@Machpants said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Chris said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Good win
Blackadder,Barrett,,McAlister,Williams,Drummond,Havilli,Burke all back after the bye
Taylor back a couple of weeks latter we just might make the playoffs.Drummond is a real handbrake, no way he should be starting ever again
This is the first game Hotham has actually looked serviceable.
It's only the chiefs.
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Chiefs largely their own worst enemies last night.
There were definitely a few questionable refereeing decisions but that's the way of the game nowadays.
There was one unforgivable decision from Gardner though, awarding the Crusaders a penalty at half way for the Ah Kuoi late tackle. Unless the law has changed, that's only ever been possible if the folk play has been committed after a try has been scored - which it clearly hadn't. Obviously it ultimately didn't have a big impact with the Crusaders missing touch, but that's an elementary level error from Gardner and stuff like that does nothing for the reputation of referees.
Crusaders were always going to come right sooner rather than later. You're always going to have an exponentially better shot at winning if you can retain even 75% of your own lineout ball, which they managed last night. Would not want to be playing them in the quarter-finals - suspect losing this game might actually go in the Chiefs' favour at the end of the season (assuming they're still able to finish near the top of the table, which they should).
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Well a surprise wasn't it, but not huge. I was pretty neutral, but to be honest I didn't mind Crusaders winning at all, and thought they were good for the win, forwards ripped into it well. Also adds to their chances of making top 8 which I want for all kiwi teams if possible.
For Chiefs I was really pleased to see how Jacomb went, keep saying I like this kid. Chiefs in general weren't bad, just I thought Crusaders pulled out a beauty! -
@Bones said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Machpants said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Chris said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Good win
Blackadder,Barrett,,McAlister,Williams,Drummond,Havilli,Burke all back after the bye
Taylor back a couple of weeks latter we just might make the playoffs.Drummond is a real handbrake, no way he should be starting ever again
This is the first game Hotham has actually looked serviceable.
It's only the chiefs.
I reckon he's looked promising for a bit, but as you say not quite 100% comfortable at Super level. Looked more than serviceable last night to me.
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Toto I’ve a feeling we’re not in Hamilton anymore.
Crusaders were much better this week. Hannah looks a future AB lock imo, very impressive. Having a decent 9 made a big difference. ALB the best of the chiefs.
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@Billy-Tell said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Crusaders were much better this week. Hannah looks a future AB lock imo, very impressive. Having a decent 9 made a big difference. ALB the best of the chiefs.
Hannah still has a bit to work on with his core roll IMO. Impressive around the park, but I think he is consistently beaten to the jump in the air, both off kickoffs and at the lineout.
This of course could be on the lifters, but it happened a couple of times last night, and he was straight up bullied by the Blues the week before.
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@frugby said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Billy-Tell said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Crusaders were much better this week. Hannah looks a future AB lock imo, very impressive. Having a decent 9 made a big difference. ALB the best of the chiefs.
Hannah still has a bit to work on with his core roll IMO. Impressive around the park, but I think he is consistently beaten to the jump in the air, both off kickoffs and at the lineout.
This of course could be on the lifters, but it happened a couple of times last night, and he was straight up bullied by the Blues the week before.
Yeah he’s not the finished product but I think the general panic on the forum « where are the locks » is a bit misplaced. We’ll find some.
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@george33 said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Chris not according to Penney, Blackadder still doubtful, and Williams and Barrett still few weeks away , Willie and Burke only 2 back for Aussie trip and no mention at all about Havilli, Brewis back after Australia trip
Blackadder back straight after Bye good to go.
The others like Barrett back after the Aussie trip I did say after the bye not exactly when. -
50 mins into the game and Johnny M showing he wasn't such a retarded signing after all. The old fella got the job done, like old fellas can.
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In hindsight this was an interesting gamble by the Chiefs, selection wise. Will it come back to bite them? The Chiefs had an opportunity to put their foot on the Crusader's throat, but I can't help wondering whether they let them off the hook and gave them a sniff of confidence.
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@Crazy-Horse said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
In hindsight this was an interesting gamble by the Chiefs, selection wise. Will it come back to bite them? The Chiefs had an opportunity to put their foot on the Crusader's throat, but I can't help wondering whether they let them off the hook and gave them a sniff of confidence.
I think these are convenient excuses... McKenzie was injured, we all watched him last week. The rest of the backline was first choice, the pack was slightly experimental but hardly weak.
Quite simply, they were outplayed by a side more desperate to win.
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@African-Monkey said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Having Kellow out there is a good move imo. Get him competing for the ball at breakdown time as the Crusaders are currently making way too many tackles in games.
Inspired pick.
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
@Machpants good defence but the ruck speed for the Chiefs is painfully slow.
That was the key to Chch in first 60. Chiefs didn’t adjust.
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@Mattasaurus said in Crusaders v Chiefs:
Plenty to like about Jacob I reckon
Yes, but Chch offside a lot and overplayed when some kicks were better option.
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Chiefs lost that in first half.
I’d put a lot of that down to less physicality and, given Chch seemed to be playing two 7s, inefficient cleaning.
Which suggests absence of Vaa’i and Finau was big factor.
Noticeable that when Taranaki front row came on and Ah Khoi went to lock this improved a lot.
Take away the late intercept and Chiefs might well have run Chch down.
Ref, repeated offsides and no DMac all factors, but not decisive, IMO.
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Hamilton just can’t beat us when it counts. I hope Hamilton plays us in the Quarterfinals.
