Crusaders v Blues
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@nzzp just the wrong time to be quiet..in a World Cup year,I really want him to succeed but he’s got to get more involved even when the ball does not go his way..you really wonder what sort of player he would be if he just worked on his micro skills..especially passing..!
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@Stargazer totally agree they learnt from what happened against the Sharks they played too much rugby and paid for it. smart game by the Crusaders tonight got the job done
In fact the Blues kicked a lot of ball away as well . -
@Chris I watched him play for Poneke today and he looked in good nick. Rubbed the Petone halfback's head in the dirt with a smirk on his face, made two clean breaks and scored a try. Defs the mongrel sort of player the Canes need and that pace that he has outwide gives the Canes another dimension.
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@Canes4life good to see we need him and Taylor for the WC ,
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Just quietly, I think we're a long way off our best and unless we turn things around when the finals start we'll struggle to make the final. We're just missing our killer edge and can't consistently maintain intensity.
There isn't really anyone on injured list that will come back and turn things around either, it will have to come from within. Big test for Robertson.
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Yeah, hopefully both fit and firing - will make a great one - two punch no matter who starts.
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@KiwiMurph that was a real plus and a step forward,not often do you see the Saders not score from a lineout drive.
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I’m actually pretty satisfied with that. We have a lot to work on, obviously, but against the best team in the competition at home, and in conditions that played to their strengths, that was solid effort.
We give them lots of shit about Maul defence, but they had two great efforts on their line. And in previous years the Crusaders have been able to score at will against us with those.
It’s the small stuff that keeps getting each week, but there was signs of improvement here. Even Ruru’s clearing kicks were good.
To have a chance to steal the game was a herculean defensive effort.
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@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
I think his lack of pace has been there all season. But yeah - he did look a bit tired tonight.
Tana's best signing?
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By the way, that catch from Mo'unga, just before that "almost try" was a pure piece of brilliance!
David Havili had a good game as well, just like his counterpart Melani Nanai. Probably the best of the backs with Mo'unga, although Hall had a good game, too. Generally, it wasn't a game for running rugby; so not too much impact from the backs apart from the kicking. It was funny hearing the commentators say that Levi Aumua should move into the front row because of his size.
Crusaders scrum went well, most line-outs, too.
Some great turnovers from the Blues. Pat T probably their best forward.
In this game, Douglas > Akira, who was completely invisible again. It was interesting to hear what the radio commentators, particularly Flynn had to say about his excessive playing minutes. He said - among other things - that guys like Akira and Pat T are getting so many minutes because they are fighting for a spot in the finals; but it will come back to bite them if they actually make the finals, because these guys look tired. And that's exactly it.
Anyway, can the Blues still make the play-offs?
The Crusaders only need 2 points out of their next two games - I think - to seal that top spot on the table.
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@Steven-Harris said in Crusaders v Blues:
@KiwiMurph that was a real plus and a step forward,not often do you see the Saders not score from a lineout drive.
Missing Taylor and Franks, although Alaalatoa hasn't been too bad.
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@Canes4life said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kev Yeah Nonu looks a bit tired now. Been a warrior for the Blues this year though, given his all for every match but just isn't as deadly as he used to be.
And I think that will be the reason why he won't make the ABs squad.
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@Stargazer normally we let in lineout drive tries against anybody, does not seem to matter whom the opposition is..I guess against the caliber of the Crusaders who are the number 1 rated team..I will take that.
