Crusaders v Blues

@Yeetyaah I don't think you should see it as Jordan being dropped. They have a lot of players to chose from and can only name three outside backs in the starting XV; they preferred three other, more experienced players.
It's all about the 23 nowadays. He'll provide great impact from the bench.

Bones

@Duluth that graphic is horrible, 12/13 next to 15?

Annnyway...not so confident in the blues now, did Leon decide since he's playing the crusaders he'd let his old mate Aaron do the selection? Bizarre at 9 and 12.

Pretty bruising looking loose trio though eh.

antipodean

@Bones said in Crusaders v Blues:

Annnyway...not so confident in the blues now, did Leon decide since he's playing the crusaders he'd let his old mate Nathan do the selection? Bizarre at 9 and 12.

Must have a plan, otherwise there's no explanation for putting Plummer opposite Goohue.

ACT Crusader

@Bones said in Crusaders v Blues:

Pretty bruising looking loose trio though eh.

It’s a real advantage for the Blues. Good size, robust in attack and defence, and not too bad on the ball.

Our back 5 better come ready.

Bones

@ACT-Crusader couple of real lumps in the second row too. Be wanting that bench to be used early...

cgrant

No Will Jordan but no Leicester Fainganu'uku either. The latter brings something that Bridge doesn't : beating defenders at will.

Bovidae

Has Carroll played a game this year? I am surprised with this selection unless Cowley-Tuioti is injured.

trodthesod

Think he started in one of the games in Sth Africa.Has a great work rate and looks like he’s been rewarded with a bench spot.I think the Christie start is deserved and the coaches resting Nock.As most teams do,some players get chances to start re Plummer and I ,have no problem with it.They usually rise to the occasion and Faiane from the bench,will close out the close game perhaps,!!

trodthesod

If Aaron Carroll didn’t start in Sth Africa he definitely played some minutes from the bench.He was very impressive.

Duluth

@Bovidae said in Crusaders v Blues:

Has Carroll played a game this year? I am surprised with this selection unless Cowley-Tuioti is injured.

He had a couple of games from the bench I think. I remember thinking he went well.

Apart from Tuipulotu I don't think there's much difference between the locks. Goodhue has hardened up a little (or got over his shoulder problems?)
The bench spot is wide open.

Pierce is the best long term bet though.

Bovidae

If Wiki is correct Carroll has played 3 games. I don't watch every game, which is why I asked.

Edit: Bulls, Lions and another game.

junior

@trodthesod said in Crusaders v Blues:

Think he started in one of the games in Sth Africa.Has a great work rate and looks like he’s been rewarded with a bench spot.I think the Christie start is deserved and the coaches resting Nock.As most teams do,some players get chances to start re Plummer and I ,have no problem with it.They usually rise to the occasion and Faiane from the bench,will close out the close game perhaps,!!

Yeah Nock's been good generally, but his passing and kicking was not up to scratch last time out. Christie actually had a good impact in both matches against the Chiefs and 'Landers so can see why he's been rewarded.

Bones

My only concern on the halfbacks is we've seen Nock just gets better with more gametime and has really been building nicely.

The impression I get of Christie is that he's prone to occasionally having a good game.

trodthesod

My source tells me Nock needs a rest ,hence Ruru on the bench.Unless one is actually aware of the bells and whistles the players have on their backs at training we aren’t aware of any drop off in performance.

The Silver Fern

Crusaders v Blues