Blues v Crusaders
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The big, bad Blues still need speed where it matters, and they’re breathing a sigh of relief that Blake Gibson has recovered from a rib injury in time to face the Crusaders at Eden Park on Sunday. With All Black Dalton Papalii out this week after taking a knock to his noggin’ against the Highlanders last Sunday, and new signing Dillon Hunt potentially out for the season with ongoing concussion issues, the Blues have been forced to dig deep in their openside flanker stock. They have added well-performed Auckland No 7 Adrian Choat to their squad as a replacement (for Hunt), but forwards coach Tom Coventry confirmed to Stuff that Gibson had made a full recovery from his rib problems and would be available to face the Crusaders on Sunday, if required. The Blues will name their squad on Friday, but will almost certainly start with Gibson at No 7, alongside the line-busting duo of Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu, with Tom Robinson likely to provide loose forward cover off the bench. They will have their fourth All Black prop, Alex Hodgman, available for selection this week after he came through Tuesday’s training well -
@kiwimurph with Break Gibson starting looks like Akira will get some more time at 7 when the inevitable happens.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues v Crusaders:
@nepia nice nickname
I’m surprised it’s taken me this many years to think of it.
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@nepia said in Blues v Crusaders:
@kiwimurph said in Blues v Crusaders:
@nepia nice nickname
I’m surprised it’s taken me this many years to think of it.
He certainly has been unlucky. Mike Brewer levels of durability.
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Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili Talitui, Ethan Blackadder, Samuel Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Mitchell Dunshea, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Drummond, Fergus Burke, Dallas McLeod. -
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@gt12 said in Blues v Crusaders:
That's a shame for Christie, but that Crusaders team looks very good. This should be a cracking game.
Crusaders tight 5 and Richie Mo'unga give them the edge as usual. Should be a cracking game, but crusaders by 5. Bless clear underdogs
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@nzzp said in Blues v Crusaders:
@gt12 said in Blues v Crusaders:
That's a shame for Christie, but that Crusaders team looks very good. This should be a cracking game.
Crusaders tight 5 and Richie Mo'unga give them the edge as usual. Should be a cracking game, but crusaders by 5. Bless clear underdogs
Yeah, 4 ABs in the front five with one squaddie coming off the bench does give them an advantage. However, the prop rotation and loosies for the Blues are also very good, so it should be a real ding dong battle.
I'm also starting to really like the way that Otere Black is playing, he's probably No. 2 right now behind Richie.
Crusaders by less than 7 seems about right but I will be cheering along my new second team. I'm hoping that Paps is healthy, but even without him the Blues may have the edge in the loosies.
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@gt12 said in Blues v Crusaders:
@nzzp said in Blues v Crusaders:
@gt12 said in Blues v Crusaders:
I'm hoping that Paps is healthy, but even without him the Blues
mayhave the edge in the loosies.FIFY
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Players not considered with injury: Soane Vikena (Pec), Ray Niuia (knee), Dillon Hunt (concussion), Dalton Papalii (concussion), Mark Telea (concussion), Jone Macalai (season-ending).
https://blues.rugby/experienced-line-up-for-clash-with-crusaders/
Heem is a weird one.
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@stargazer Only joined the squad two weeks ago, probably a bit slow at his age. Was never a high skill level player.
