Crusaders 2024
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Crusaders wider training group prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin facing a few weeks suspension after a brain explosion coming off the bench in Christchurch club rugby playing for Marist Albion over the weekend, throwing multiple punches at a Sumner forward resulting in a Red Card.
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From facing the haka to Crusaders return, why Johnny McNicholl answered SOS call
Returning Crusader Johnny McNicholl is determined to showcase his worth; a seasoned professional who wasn’t even supposed to be in Christchurch in the first place.
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Things are bad when even Robert van Royen is putting the boot in
Their backline is as clunky as the 2016 Crusaders, their error-count would be frowned upon if they were a schoolboy team, their lineout is like watching a slow-motion train-wreck, and asking them to exit their half effectively is akin to asking them to split the atom. -
@Duluth said in Crusaders 2024:
Things are bad when even Robert van Royen is putting the boot in
Their backline is as clunky as the 2016 Crusaders, their error-count would be frowned upon if they were a schoolboy team, their lineout is like watching a slow-motion train-wreck, and asking them to exit their half effectively is akin to asking them to split the atom.Was this always the return time for Codie or have they decided to bring him back in due to the lack of forward leaders? I know it was always the back end of the season but with this also being a must win I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been told to get back in there now from the higher ups.
Any news on the Barrett or Blackadder injuries?
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@jonahthesecond I was at this game. He gave away a scrum penalty, the Sumner flanker said you’re a shit scrummager for a crusaders. He just grabbed him and put two on his chin. Sumner flanker took both and laughed at him. He went to throw again but got held back by his own players. Straight red. Was only on the field for 10 mins.
Should get 6-10 weeks. But will probably get 1-2 because of who he is. -
The article has a table with 9 pages of coaches percentages
Here's the first page & page 9
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Some injury updates in this article:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350279231/crusaders-coach-rob-penney-wasnt-soul-searching-pity-after-loss-highlandersBarrett’s back injury flared up
A back injury has again forced captain Barrett out of the team, and coach Rob Penney wasn’t able to provide a firm deadline for his returnIf they lose to the Brumbies, a decision may be required as to whether it’s worth risking Barrett; getting him right ahead of the All Blacks' tests against England and Fiji in July may take priorityBlackadder
Luck-less loose forward Ethan Blackadder, who has only taken the field three times, continues to recover from a thigh injury. "He got through probably 20 minutes of training yesterday, which is a massive step forward,'' Penney stated. "And if that progress continues, who knows, in the next fortnight we might be able to see him back.'' -
I think what I struggled with most is that, as noted, there was a sprinkle of ABs in every pack that should have ensured that the less experienced players should be able to fit around and still perform the basics well. That they still haven't suggests that realising that the core of your pack is well versed in a particular way of playing you don't want to change that at all. I can only assume the failure is a result of changing that default so no one is clear as to what they should do. It certainly looks like that. If so it is a really poor strategic approach for the season. That's on the coaches.
The issues at 10 meant that I never thought the backline would be any better than just basics with Sevu the only real threat. Got that right at least.
Third 10 in 3 weeks wont change that. -
Coach in 1996 was Vance Stewart.
He was Coach for one year ....... -
Crusaders need better players at nine and ten. Heinz should be gone, Drummond is on his last legs, and Hotham needs to learn how to pass.
Is there anyone coming through their system, Or do they target someone from outside? Who's off contract and who would be worth recruiting?
Jordi Viljoen
Sam Nock
Jonathan Taumateine
Xavier Roe
Te Toiroa TahuriorangiSame questions apply at 10, but there may be some better targets there:
Zarn Sullivan
Josh Jacomb
Tiaan Falcon
Ajay Faleafaga
Aidan Morgan -
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Thought it was set up for Tamati Ellison to take over as head coach? That’s been the chat anyway.
As for 9 and 10. TTT has already been down it Christchurch with the crusaders under razor and all he did was play club footy. Hotham will come right and he is their answer at 9 but as for who is behind him, no idea.
Faleafaga isn’t leaving Dunedin anytime soon and I’m pretty sure Jacomb has tied himself up with the Chiefs. You could make a case for Josh Ioane but I’m unsure of his contract situation. The one that would make sense would be to bring back Alex Harford who is up with the blues wider squad, I’d say they are now regretting not signing him up. Rives Reihana has plenty of talent but it’s the classic case of needing time in the saddle.
They are the crusaders and they will be ok. Too much talent in that squad to have a repeat season like this one.
