Crusaders 2018
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Richie Mo'unga's enforced break may soon be over.The first-five, who recently required a minor operation on the plate that had been inserted in his jaw, will be monitored this week and if medical staff are happy with his progress he could be asked to travel with the squad when they leave Christchurch on Thursday.In regards to Mo'unga, the welcome news is he has been active at training and the sight of him not avoiding contact suggests his confidence is high. Robertson is also poised to power-up his forward pack, bringing back captain and lock Sam Whitelock, hooker Codie Taylor, No 8 Jordan Taufua, and blindside flanker Heiden Bedwell-Curtis if he is preferred ahead of Pete Samu. Leg injuries suffered by hooker Ben Funnell and Tom Sanders, the pair were forced to retire against the Sunwolves, are expected to sideline them for a period of time while loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett was a late withdrawal because of concussion. The backline should welcome back fullback David Havili, but centre Jack Goodhue may be given longer to recover from the hamstring problem incurred against the Lions on April 2. -
Bugger, possibly no Mo'unga this week.
Meanwhile, assistant backs coach Ronan O'Gara said first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga may be asked to hold off his comeback for another week. Mo'unga hasn't played since fracturing his jaw against the Stormers on March 9. Centre Jack Goodhue (hamstring) is also an unlikely starter. Details of the injuries to Ben Funnell (knee) and Tom Sanders (ankle), who left the park against the Sunwolves, have yet to be released. There is no chance of them playing this weekend.Interesting info about the treatment Dagg needed for his knee - stem cell therapy to regenerate cartilage - and having to adjust his running style.
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A dinged-up Israel Dagg must undergo medical assessments before knowing how long it will be before he gets another chance to challenge for an All Blacks jersey."With Daisy expecting their second baby, he was going to go home anyway," Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said. "Our thoughts are with him, because he has worked so bloody hard to get back and now we just hope it is only a little tweak and that he is only out for a few weeks."Dagg won't lack company in the Crusaders' injury ward. While the squad travelled from Canberra to Sydney, they will be based near the beach in the suburb of Coogee before relocating to Melbourne ahead of their next match against the Rebels, All Blacks lock Luke Romano was in the Garden City waiting to hear how long a high ankle sprain will force him to stay on the sidelines. Romano suffered the injury in training before the game against the Brumbies, and could potentially be out for a significant period of time; his chances of being fit for the All Blacks' series against France in June appear remote. "It is not broken, as we first thought, and he will get an MRI scan on Monday to find exactly what the problem is," Robertson confirmed. All Blacks loosehead prop Tim Perry also pulled a hamstring in the opening minutes of the game in Canberra, and Harry Allen has been asked to join the squad as cover. Matt Dunsea will replace Romano. Romano's major setback comes in the wake of fellow forwards Ben Funnell, Oli Jager and Tom Sanders suffering significant injuries in recent weeks. All Blacks captain Kieran Read won't be sighted in Super Rugby until after June - if it all.But there is also good news on the horizon for Robertson and the All Blacks selectors. First five-eighth Richie Mo'unga is finally set to make his comeback after fracturing his jaw against the Stormers on March 3. Another international, centre Jack Goodhue, will also join the squad after recovering from a pulled hamstring. -
@stargazer Richard Knowler just listened to the same interview on Radiosport that I did!
If you want to hear exactly what Razor has to say it starts at 3 minutes.
http://120.138.20.16/WeekOnDemand/radiosport/2018.04.29-12.45.00-S.mp3
Peni has been cited for the tackle on Dagg.
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Joe Moody played clubrugby on Saturday! That's good news!
Caption:
Was pretty pumped to get back out on the field after a 7 month lay off. We got done like a dinner but was awesome to play with the Lincoln Massive boys again. #noinjuries #blewoutthecobwebs #countryrugby #lincolnmassive -
@stargazer how cool would it be for those guys having him run out with them though, something that used to be so common.
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Because hooker Taylor and lock Barrett have only missed one match to date, and five of the Crusaders' remaining six games promise to be vigorous affairs against their New Zealand counterparts, there could be a case to let them bunk the fixture against the Waratahs in Christchurch on Saturday night. It's an argument that falls flat when presented to Crusaders assistant forwards coach Jason Ryan; he reckons they must wheel out their big beasts for this encounter, an indication that all fit All Blacks will be required for duty.The Crusaders could select a forward pack stacked with six All Blacks. Loosehead prop Joe Moody has been confirmed as available for selection, welcome news after almost nine months away because of injuries. If Taylor plays the Waratahs, it means Andrew Makalio must start against one of the other four New Zealand teams down the track. With Ben Funnell suffering a season-ending knee injury, Makalio's value to the front row club is even more significant. Sebastian Siataga, contracted to Bay of Plenty, has been brought in as a replacement for Funnell.Backs Ryan Crotty, David Havili and Mitchell Drummond, having played nine games, are also owed a game off at some point. Havili didn't train on Monday following a head knock in the 55-10 win over the Rebels last weekendLeaning on a fence to watch training at Rugby Park on Monday was All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod. Earlier in the day Mike Cron was also an observer. "They just come in, pretty freely when they want to and get around all the franchises," Ryan stated. "They just come in to see what we are working on, and if they can add any help." -
@stargazer I think it would be silly not to rest one or two All Blacks for this fixture.
I think you could easily start Bryn Hall, with Stratton on the bench. A rest to freshen up Drummond might do him good (if he's actually required to miss two games - I wonder who exactly are on the lists of "Must Miss ABs". Might be less people than we think).
I'd be inclined to rest Codie Taylor for this one. They're going to have to play the Makalio/Satiaga combo at some point. Better to do it now in case Makalio gets injured.
We've got two games against the Blues, which should offer similar opportunities to rest one or two guys. In particular, our very last game is at home vs the Blues, so we could delay a few key rests to see how the season unfolds re. injuries and qualifying. E.g. Crotty and Barrett.
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@taniwharugby said in Crusaders 2018:
@stargazer how cool would it be for those guys having him run out with them though, something that used to be so common.
Love that they fined him for forgetting his tie. You're never too big.
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Slowly but surely the might and power the Crusaders can call on is being reassembled and the latest return from injury is All Blacks loosehead prop Joe Moody. He is fit for selection and is likely to feature in Saturday's home Investec Super Rugby game against the Waratahs.Whether he started or came off the bench would be a decision based on his training during the week.Other players were also close to returning. Fullback David Havili was going through HIA protocols, lock Luke Romano had started running on Monday and Israel Dagg was improving and could be ready in two to three weeks. Romano had injured his ankle at training before the Crusaders headed to Australia to play the Brumbies and Rebels and the injury had not looked good, however, Ryan said it had settled down and there was a much more positive feeling about it but it would take a week or two to know for certain.http://superrugby.co.nz/News/32388/crusaders-machine-taking-shape
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Ryan Crotty has re-signed with NZR, the Crusaders and Canterbury for another year (2019).
Scott Barrett has re-signed with NZR, the Crusaders and Taranaki for two years (2020).
Crotty and Barrett re-sign with NZ Rugby and BNZ Crusaders
The BNZ Crusaders have added both experience and emerging talent to their playing roster, with Ryan Crotty and Scott Barrett re-committing to New Zealand Rugby, the BNZ Crusaders and their respective provinces. “2019 will be my 11th season with the Crusaders, but I still feel as passionate and enthusiastic as I did when my career began. I’m thoroughly enjoying my time in this team and love turning up to work every day alongside great mates, so whether I am representing the All Blacks, Crusaders or Canterbury, I still have plenty of desire to play my best rugby for each of them and I look forward to being a part of these teams for the remainder of this season and in 2019,” Crotty said. Crotty progressed through the Canterbury and Crusaders development programmes, making his debut for Canterbury back in 2008. He went on to make his BNZ Crusaders’ debut against the Hurricanes in Christchurch the following year. Since then the midfielder has amassed an impressive 131 Investec Super Rugby caps, notching up his 100 game milestone in front of a home crowd back in 2016. In 2013 he made his All Blacks debut against the Wallabies in Sydney and has earned 35 caps in the black jersey to date.Barrett also progressed through the Canterbury and Crusaders development programmes, making his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2014 and playing 19 games for the red and blacks before signing with Taranaki in 2017. He first played for the Crusaders against England in June 2014, and made his official Investec Super Rugby debut against the Blues in Christchurch a few weeks later. The 24 year-old earned his first cap for the All Blacks as a replacement player in 2016, scoring a superb try on debut in the All Blacks’ historic match against Ireland in Chicago. The young lock said the opportunity to continue his playing career in Christchurch through to 2020 was too good to pass up: “I’m loving my time in the Crusaders environment, it’s a healthy training environment to be a part of, with a passionate and motivated coaching group. “The All Blacks and Crusaders teams are obviously hugely important to me and I am driven to perform at the highest level for both of them. For me personally, it’s also special to re-commit to Taranaki Rugby and connect with my home province and the place where my rugby dream started. I want to continue to improve my game and contribute as best I can to rugby in New Zealand,” Barrett said. BNZ Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said he was thrilled to secure the world-class duo on his playing roster: “These are two fantastic signings for us. Ryan is one of the great Crusaders, and is an important leader in our side. He’s one of our vice-captains and provides a crucial voice in our midfield that his team-mates really respond to. He’s a professional in every sense of the word, is composed under pressure and consistent in his performances. “Likewise, Scott is a key signing and we are thrilled to have him commit through to 2020. He’s still only a young man, but already has great experience to his name and an incredible work ethic. Scott is a lock of international quality and a champion bloke - he’s rugged with ball in hand, athletic around the park and is a massive contributor to our side’s culture. “Both of these players genuinely care about this team and give 100 percent in training and out on the field. As a coaching group, we are privileged to have such quality men and high-calibre players in our group, adding to the Crusaders’ legacy,” Robertson said.All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “Scotty has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons. He’s a superb athlete for a relatively young player and has been working really hard to develop the skillset and size to compete at the highest level. We look forward to watching him grow even more over the next few seasons. “We also welcome Crotts’ re-signing. He’s an outstanding footballer, is a key member in our backline and provides a cool, calm head, especially in high-pressure situations,” Hansen said. -
@machpants said in Crusaders 2018:
So Crotty going post rwc then, I guess
From memory he likes to only sign 1 year deals as a self motivation tool, so might not be a certainty that he would be off.
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Kieran Read is back training with the Crusaders. The All Blacks captain and No 8 won't be available for Super Rugby prior to the test window in June, and isn't expected to play France when they tour New Zealand, but the sight of him in his footy gear was at least something to warm the soul as the Crusaders had a light run on a gloomy day in Christchurch on Monday. Since undergoing surgery on his spine to alleviate pain in his leg in mid-December, Read had previously worked behind closed doors to concentrate on his recovery. "I think it was a nice surprise for everybody," Crusaders assistant backs coach Ronan O'Gara said in reference to the return of Read, who had initially hoped to be back playing by mid-April. Today was a walk-through, clarity (session). I think there is a plan with Razor (coach Scott Robertson) and the medical team about how much he can partake, but it's just great to have him back at the club.""I think it is a very slow-burner at this stage," O'Gara confirmed. "There is a plan in place, and with long-term injuries the plan obviously has to be pretty flexible. I think it (the sight of Read) did give all the boys a bit of a lift, and he had one or two points (to make) which is always valuable information. "I don't know if he touched a ball, it was walking speed today."The Crusaders, who will play the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night, also had a couple of other injured All Blacks on deck. Lock Luke Romano, who suffered a high ankle sprain in late April, took part in a light game of touch and fullback/wing Israel Dagg, who hurt his right knee against the Brumbies on April 28, has made a swift recovery. O'Gara said Romano would need to be given more time to get fit, and it was too early to say whether Dagg could be considered to play the Blues. Loosehead prop Tim Perry, who damaged a hamstring against the Brumbies, should be available for selectionThe Crusaders can also consider tighthead prop Owen Franks and midfielder Ryan Crotty to play the Blues - both were rested from the Waratahs game - while wing Manasa Mataele will have to pass an HIA test on Thursday. -
@stargazer That's an unflattering photo of Read.
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Former Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul knows who he'd hire to be the next Australian national team's coach – and it isn't Eddie Jones.
Speaking to Radio Sport, Paul suggested Australian Rugby look across the ditch for Michael Cheika's successor – naming current Crusaders leader Scott Robertson as his top choice.
"If I was Australian Rugby, I'd be chasing that guy," Paul said. "I'd be hounding that guy. I know we want to be able to produce our own coaches but I believe Scott Robertson is the best coach in Super Rugby...he's an incredible coach."
Chieka was set to step away from the role if the Wallabies don't win the 2019 World Cup. Jones, currently coaching England, was reported to be a candidate to replace him, however Paul would rather see Robertson at the helm.
In his first year at the helm of the Christchurch-based Super Rugby club, Robertson lead the side to the title. Now, over the halfway mark in his second season, the Crusaders sit at the top of the New Zealand conference.
Jeremy Paul played more than 70 matches for the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images
Jeremy Paul played more than 70 matches for the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images
That winning feeling was on Paul said Australia needed to get back. The Wallabies have struggled against the All Blacks for a number of years now, winning just two of their past 15 encounters against the New Zealand national side.
"Winning is a great start," Paul said. "Australians just hate seeing our teams lose.
"It's not just picking the right coach...there's massive issues – there's not just one thing we can put our finger on because there's a multitude of things that have gone wrong over a long, sustained period of time."The 72-match Wallaby praised the appointment of Raelene Castle as chief executive of Rugby Australia and hoped her influence would be able to spark a change for the better in the organisation.
"We need a strong administration – we need to have direction from the top...and internally within our administration, we need to put the right people in developing our coaches."
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