2021 Crusaders
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@cgrant said in 2021 Crusaders:
With Ennor out, the probable midfield combo should be Havili - Goodhue. The other option is Goodhue - Fainganu'uku.
I think we'll see a fair bit of shuffling about - but, the first choice midfield combo looks like Havili and Goodhue to me - at least initially.
That headline in Stargazer's article is slightly misleading - Havili sounds pretty happy to play anywhere.
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@shark said in 2021 Crusaders:
I've always had a soft spot for Rene Ranger and they could make it a straight swap and use him in lieu of Ennor. I wouldn't complain. But then I also prefer Goodhue at centre so a Havaili' / Goodhue combo appeals also.
Ranger had a couple of good games for Northland last year but most of the time he was a liability. Poor hands and passing.
I would go for Havili/Goodhue but I think Robertson will go for Goodhue/Fainga'anuku
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@Duluth wouldnt say his hands so much were the problem, was more decision making in pushing passes and trying off-loads too often that ended with an error.
I think he still has alot to offer, whether he still can at this level will be interesting, but I hope he does and just learns to play with a bit more restraint (which he should in an environment where he shouldnt feel the need to pull off the big plays all the time)
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@Duluth I was just going to post something similar.
Also, Ranger is only there as cover for the first 3-4 rounds. I'd prefer them giving game time to guys who are in the squad for the entire season, if only for match fitness/experience reasons. I'd definitely not give him more than a spot on the bench.
I'd also go for 12/13 Goodhue/Fainga'anuku, with Jordan/Havili at 14/15, especially as long as Bridge is out.
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@Duluth I reckon Razor will go Dallas McLeod and Goodhue 😉😉
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Don't know that I'd read too much into the way the backs are classified on the Crusaders website, but:
Havili - Fullback/Midfield Back
Jordan - Fullback
Faingaanuku - Outside backThe others are listed as either Midfield back (midfielders) or Outside back (the wings) . Except Fihaki is "Utility back".
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@chchfanatic said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Duluth I reckon Razor will go Dallas McLeod and Goodhue 😉😉
Well, McLeod is the only specialist 12 in the squad I guess. He's still a reasonable prospect but just a bit 'meh'.
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Haven't been overly impressed with what I've seen of McLeod but like others, he may rise to the occasion once playing at a higher level with better players.
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@African-Monkey The quality of coaching at the Crusaders is probably much higher than in the Canterbury NPC team as well.
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Photos taken at yesterday's training (link to Getty website).
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Crusaders head shots. I expect this is only the first lot and that there will be more.
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@Stargazer are they just not allowed to smile or are they just trying to look like tough fluffybunnies?
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@Yeetyaah said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Stargazer are they just not allowed to smile or are they just trying to look like tough fluffybunnies?
Mataele (?) looks like he’s trying to hold in a fart.
. Haven't seen him in photos of NZ SR squads.
