Crusaders 2019
-
Five new names in 2019 BNZ Crusaders squad Published: Tuesday, 30 October 2018 20:58 The BNZ Crusaders squad for 2019 has been named, and will feature five new players for the Investec Super Rugby season. Head Coach Scott Robertson, alongside Assistant Coach Brad Mooar and Forwards Coach Jason Ryan, announced the 38-man squad this morning at Rugby Park, and Robertson said he is confident he has the right mix of players to take the team forward in 2019. "I'm really excited to name the squad today, as our pre-season starts to take shape. It's a really consistent group to what we had last season, but we've also named some young players we think are going to step in to our environment and thrive, which is exciting as we plan for 2019." There are two new additions to the forwards in 2019. As previously announced, Whetukamokamo Douglas returns to the side having played six times for the Crusaders during their 2017 season. Following a stint with Italian club, Benetton, the former Waikato player returned to Christchurch for Canterbury's 2018 Mitre 10 Cup campaign where he was named as Co-Captain, but was ruled out midway through the season due to a fractured thumb. 21 year old prop Harry Allan has been named in the team for the first time, although he has two Super Rugby caps to his name already; Allan debuted for the Crusaders against the Sunwolves in 2018, and then played the Rebels in Melbourne."Whetu was a popular member of our team in 2017, with fans and team mates alike, so we are thrilled to have him back in a Crusaders jersey. He was unlucky to miss part of the Canterbury season through injury but he'll come back ready for a big Super season in 2019. He's a genuine leader and a great team man," Robertson said. "Harry is a strong, young front rower with plenty of potential. He's been in our environment before and that experience will set him up nicely for his first full Super Rugby season." Two Canterbury backs will also join the squad in 2019, in team mates Brett Cameron and Ngane Punivai. Promising Ta$man outside back, Leicester Faingaanuku, completes the 2019 squad for the Crusaders. "We're really excited about the new talent joining our back line this season," Robertson said. "Brett did a fantastic job steering Canterbury around the park during this year's Mitre 10 Cup, and was rewarded with a spot on the end of year tour as part of the All Blacks wider squad. He's a balanced No. 10 who possesses a good turn of speed and both his kicking out of hand and his goal-kicking are exceptional. "Ngane is a great centre/wing option for us, his size and speed are huge assets. He’s a smart player who makes good decisions and has an incredible work ethic. “Leicester was an incredible age-group player and dominated through schools’ rugby. His size and power are his greatest strengths, so it’s no surprise he finds his way to the try line frequently. We know he’ll take that potential and perform for us in a Crusaders jersey.” -
-
@stargazer And the 2019 title goes to the Crusaders. I think it's stronger than this year's team, going to take a big effort from other teams to pip them up again this year.
-
@canes4life Not sure it's stronger. They don't have a really good (like for like) replacement of Tamanivalu. They picked two rookies instead. And Bateman is still there, which surprises me.
-
@kiwimurph said in Crusaders 2019:
@chris-b Aumua is off to the Blues allegedly.
Yeah - though I was hoping that might just be a rumour. Him not being in the Chiefs squad meant he was the best "ready to go" option from the Mako.
Good size, but slightly lacking in pace - will be a decent pick up for the Blues, but you guys probably would have been better off with Tumua Manu IMO.
-
@canes4life said in Crusaders 2019:
@stargazer And the 2019 title goes to the Crusaders. I think it's stronger than this year's team, going to take a big effort from other teams to pip them up again this year.
Not sure the five newbies are better than the five guys they've replaced - Seta, Crockett, Samu, Delany, Macilai seem > Punivai, Allan, Douglas, Cameron, Faingaanuku - especially the first two. But, only Douglas seems likely to see a lot of time unless injuries strike severely.
What is different and better - at least right now - is that Moody, Franks, Read, Dagg and Jordan are hopefully all good to go from the outset. A few others like Makalio, Strange, Ennor and Hunt are more experienced and better players than last year.
I'm pleased to see Tim Bateman back - I wasn't expecting it and he's a good transitional option as midfield cover for Crotty and Goodhue - along with Havili and Ennor.
Probably not surprisingly Jone Macilai the only guy to get cut (I think). Wasn't one of Razor's men and he seemed completely reluctant to use him. Made the bench for one game and that was about it, I think. Enari in for Stratton.
-
@sammyc said in Crusaders 2019:
Happy we picked Harmon over Christie.
Me too.
Christie looks small for Super rugby and he's short, which limits potential to add bulk.
Hopefully they've got Niko Jones and a few others locked away in an academy and developing them to be long run replacements for Matt Todd.
Not sure Billy's going to reach elite levels.
-
The initial top 23 doesn't have many questionmarks...
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Owen Franks
- Scott Barrett
- Sam Whitelock (C)
- Jordan Taufua
- Matt Todd
- Kieran Read
- Bryn Hall
- Richie Mo'unga
- George Bridge
- Ryan Crotty
- Jack Goodhue
- Dagg/Mataele/Ennor/Jordan/Punivai? (I hope it's Jordan).
- David Havili
RESERVES
16. Makalio or Funnell?
17. Tim Perry
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Sanders/Douglas/Blackadder or Harmon?
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Dagg/Mataele/Ennor/Jordan/Punivai? (If it's Jordan above, then Ennor). -
@chris-b said in Crusaders 2019:
The initial top 23 doesn't have many questionmarks...
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Owen Franks
- Scott Barrett
- Sam Whitelock (C)
- Jordan Taufua
- Matt Todd
- Kieran Read
- Bryn Hall
- Richie Mo'unga
- George Bridge
- Ryan Crotty
- Jack Goodhue
- Dagg/Mataele/Ennor/Jordan/Punivai? (I hope it's Jordan).
- David Havili
RESERVES
16. Makalio or Funnell?
17. Tim Perry
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Sanders/Douglas/Blackadder or Harmon?
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Dagg/Mataele/Ennor/Jordan/Punivai? (If it's Jordan above, then Ennor).looks weak
-
@mariner4life especially #14/23, I mean who the hell is Punivai! pfft
-
@taniwharugby Yeah I am sure Razor has no idea what he's doing hes fucked up the last 2 years
-
-
@chris said in Crusaders 2019:
@taniwharugby Yeah I am sure Razor has no idea what he's doing hes fucked up the last 2 years
-
@chris Yep - but, I don't think it will be in the initial 23, though. He barely got a game for the Mako and this is at another level.
Things can change through the season, though - I'd think there would be several guys in that 23 looking over their shoulders.
-
@mariner4life Mate with that forward pack and inside backs/ midfield we could put Susan Boyle on the wing and still win a 10th Title
