Crusaders 2017
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It worthwhile reading the squad guides. Just started reading the Crusaders guide and read this about Jone Macilai:
Frustratingly for Macilai, he will be rehabbing for much of this season. It is disappointing that we will miss out on his pace and power on the field, but there is still so much that he can add to the group from off the field with his fantastic personality. Looking forward to seeing him back in the game as soon as possible.http://files.allblacks.com/comms/2016-ISR/2017_ISR_Squad_Naming_Crusaders-PUBLISHED-01.pdf
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He missed the final game of the M10 Cup, but as with the poor information coming out about our team, didn't even know it was that serious.
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So gone from last year are:
Alex Hodgman (replaced by Jager)
Ged Robinson (replaced by Makalio)
Jimmy Tupou (replaced by Strange)
Tim Boys (replaced by Bedwell-Curtis)
Andy Ellis (replaced by Hall)
Ben Volavola (replaced by Bateman)
Kieron Fonotia (replaced by Tamanivalu)
Robbie Freuan (replaced by Mataele)
Nemani Nadolo (replaced by Ioane)
Johnny McNicholl (replaced by Bridge)Hodgman was pretty useful, but last year Toddy had four looseheads and only two tightheads, so this is more balanced.
Ged Robinson barely played, so getting a young guy on the way up as the third hooker is probably the way of the future now Taylor is well established. Strange for Tupou probably the same case.
Can't say I know much about Bedwell-Curtis, but I wasn't a big fan of Boys. A bit surprised Razor hasn't signed Billy Harmon.
Andy Ellis had reached his use-by date. I guess there's a likelihood of a signed contract keeping Fukofuka in the squad and Enari out? I would have switched them without question otherwise. Very surprised Enari hasn't appeared elsewhere - hopefully Razor has told him to bide his time.
Volavola out - I daresay not many tears shed by many supporters - Bateman in. Meh - I supp0se we need three first fives and it's got to be an upgrade (hopefully keeping Colin Slade's place warm for 2018). Hopefully, we'll see Hunt playing ahead of both Bateman and McKenzie and doing better than either.
Nadolo and McNicholl will be missed - Fonotia and Freuan, not so much - Tamanivalu an evident upgrade and Robbie was pretty much a foodbill - though I can't say I've noticed Mataele at all.
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Stuff says Enari will be training with the Crusaders as injury cover for Mitchell Drummond
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@Chris-B. As @Tim said, Fukofuka had already been re-signed (on 11 May to be precise). For 2 seasons, so through to 2018.
"Andy Ellis had reached his use-by date" sounds rather negative, as if Razor didn't offer him a contract. Ellis decided to retire from SR last year, so it was his choice, not a coach's decision. Ellis was the best of the 2016 Crusader halfbacks and not sure whether Hall is a good enough replacement. But the other two are probably worse.
Bedwell-Curtis had a good season for the Turbos. Not a bad signing and more experienced than Billy Harmon.
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The Crusaders will be without All Black captain Kieran Read for the start of next season while he recovers from an undisclosed injury.
New coach Scott Robertson made the announcement on Wednesday morning at the franchise's squad naming for next season, but could not say how long he would miss and what for.
"He is out for the first part of Super Rugby, so we will get an injury replacement for him," Robertson said.
"He just needs to get something with an injury, which I can't say, sorted. It's been planned, we were aware of it and we will have cover."
Read regularly wears a wrist brace between matches and will sit out the All Blacks' match against Italy in Rome next weekend.
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@Tim said in Crusaders 2017:
The Crusaders will be without All Black captain Kieran Read for the start of next season while he recovers from an undisclosed injury.
"He just needs to get something with an injury, which I can't say, sorted. It's been planned, we were aware of it and we will have cover."Undisclosed injury, cant say what it is??
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@taniwharugby Makes sense if they don't want opposition teams to know what the injury is. Still has some games to play with the ABs.
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@Stargazer not sure it is a big thing if it is just one of those niggles that plenty of players have...but I guess they have their reasons, and if that's one, as bizaare as it seems.
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Gutted that Volavola and Fonatia won't be back.
The only major loss is Nadolo, recruiting seems to have been good overall.
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@SammyC said in Crusaders 2017:
I wont be jumping on the TAB odds of $5.50 thats for sure
9 and 10 are a big weakness, like @Chris-B I'm hoping for a Colin Slade retrun in 2018
But I think we are a better chance and have a better coach than last year.
I doubt Slade returns: won't be in the ABs frame, won't earn nearly as much in NZ playing Super Rugby alone compared to Top 14.
