Crusaders 2019
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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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
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@mariner4life especially #14/23, I mean who the hell is Punivai! pfft
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@taniwharugby Yeah I am sure Razor has no idea what he's doing hes fucked up the last 2 years
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@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
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@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.
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@mariner4life Mate with that forward pack and inside backs/ midfield we could put Susan Boyle on the wing and still win a 10th Title
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